dianevallere

Just saw this tonight uncut on the big screen here in Hollywood. Visually very nice. But not really a giallo, I don't know why people keep calling it that. There is a murder which basically occurs off-screen and has almost nothing to do with the "story." Virtually no violence, some eyebrow-raising sex, obviously inspired by Antonioni, et al. Little story, lots of avant garde/graphic style, references to Pop-Art/Lichtenstein, comics, "Blow-Up" and other movies/the Viet Nam War/other issues of the day. Nice visuals/editing/soundtrack (which was remarkably clear in the print I just saw, supposedly soon to be out on DVD). At times notably innovative and fresh. A bit of a surprise ending. Wandering narrative, quick cuts, lots of color and gritty flair. Swinging London backdrop. In b/w and color.

Just viewed "The Howl" in its entirety on the big screen at the Egyptian Theater here in Hollywood tonight. Aptly named. Italian Freakout '70. Makes "Gas-s-s-s" (1970) look like a brief Sunday school production. Some very compelling scenes. But a bit of an endurance test. Avoid if you can't take watching a duck get its head lopped off in closeup (the lady behind me didn't like that too much). Lots of nudity, lots of talking, a fair amount of violence, and, being a late-60's/early-70's movie, lots of people running around outside. Zero story. Big on visuals, social commentary, and ideas. Surreal, somewhat disturbing, at times beautiful. They sure don't make 'em like this any more. Pretty interesting soundtrack, as well. The sound was REALLY good on the print I just viewed.