Tenebre

I’m extremely biased on this one. When I was an annoying cinephile teenager, I used to be a huge fan of giallo — like, that was my thing. It had everything my heart desired: over-the-top plot twists, gore, sexual tension, sleaze — the full package, right? Over the years, I discovered other genres, film movements, etc., but giallo has always remained near and dear to me. Tenebre felt like it was transporting me back to simpler times and familiar places. It still has it all for me, plus the amazing camera work, upbeat soundtrack, the coolest wardrobe, and my most recent obsession in European films of the ’70s and ’80s — the sick, lavish, detailed interior design. I also think Dario Argento’s Rome in Tenebre isn’t the typical touristy spots of ancient history, but a modern, sleek ’80s city that feels like a character itself — another detail that has recently become one of my favorite aspects of films. It’s an entertaining genre film that feels like it was made just for me, and I’m almost ashamed that I’m only watching it now. Regardless of my personal preferences, it’s still an extremely worthy example of both giallo and Euro-sleaze films — definitely worth discovering.