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6.5/10
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A musician is stalked by an unknown homicidal maniac, who blackmails him for the accidental killing of another stalker.A musician is stalked by an unknown homicidal maniac, who blackmails him for the accidental killing of another stalker.A musician is stalked by an unknown homicidal maniac, who blackmails him for the accidental killing of another stalker.
Jean-Pierre Marielle
- Gianni Arrosio
- (as Jean Pierre Marielle)
Laura Troschel
- Maria
- (as Costanza Spada)
Featured review
A musician (Michael Brandon) is stalked by an unknown killer who's blackmailing him for an accidental killing of another stalker. But is everything what it appears to be?
The film opens with a great shot of drums from overhead and a beating heart, knowing that Argento is in the middle of his most stylistic period. Even the man with white gloves and disturbingly childish mask taking photographs is classic Argento.
I liked the concept of the images burned on to the retina, and I enjoyed the humor of having a character named "God" and the "Hallelujah" chorus. This being the last Ennio Morricone score in an Argento film was not lost on me, as the musical style shifted greatly after this one. (Not necessarily in a bad way -- Goblin and Simonetti are incredible.)
I was surprised to see homosexuality being so openly discussed in a film from this year. Maybe in Italy it was more acceptable than in America? Either way, an interesting addition.
The film opens with a great shot of drums from overhead and a beating heart, knowing that Argento is in the middle of his most stylistic period. Even the man with white gloves and disturbingly childish mask taking photographs is classic Argento.
I liked the concept of the images burned on to the retina, and I enjoyed the humor of having a character named "God" and the "Hallelujah" chorus. This being the last Ennio Morricone score in an Argento film was not lost on me, as the musical style shifted greatly after this one. (Not necessarily in a bad way -- Goblin and Simonetti are incredible.)
I was surprised to see homosexuality being so openly discussed in a film from this year. Maybe in Italy it was more acceptable than in America? Either way, an interesting addition.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDario Argento's usual collaborator Ennio Morricone scored the film, but had a major argument with Argento over some tracks Argento didn't want in it. As a result, the director and Morricone would not work together again until 1996, and the rock group Goblin would eventually become Argento's regular composers.
- GoofsWhen Carlo is murdered the hands of the killer are clearly hairy, calloused, man hands.
- Quotes
Roberto Tobias: Well, it's a bit risky, and, and I don't...
Gianni Arrosio: Ah, yeah. And you're thinking this fairy will jump on a chair and scream bloody murder if he sees a mouse, right?
Roberto Tobias: Yes, that's what I thought.
Gianni Arrosio: Oh, you heterosexuals! I don't suppose you've ever had a homosexual experience?
Roberto Tobias: Let's just forget it, man.
- Crazy creditsYou have just seen Four Flies on Grey Velvet.
- Alternate versionsThe original U.S theatrical release was cut mainly for pacing as well as shortening the tub love scene and a decapitation for a PG rating.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Le monde de l'horreur (1985)
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Alpha Beta Gamma
- Filming locations
- Milan, Lombardia, Italy(subway scenes)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
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By what name was 4 Mouches de velours gris (1971) officially released in India in English?
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