Released: December 19, 1987 (Italy)
Dario Argento is back with a his most contemporary giallo yet with 1987s ‘Opera’. The color palette used in this film set it apart from the more earthy Profondo Rosso and are Tenebre, nor as pronounced as the supernatural horror in Suspiria or Inferno. Set in the Parma Opera during a production of Macbeth, young understudy Betty is thrust into the role of her life when the star diva is struck by a car and forced to concede the role. Unfortunately, she has attracted the attention of a depraved murderer, and the twisted murder mystery unfolds, with graphic slayings, bizarre circumstances and fantastically imaginative deaths, as one has come to expect from the king of giallo. Michele Soavi, who mentored under Argento would go on to direct Cemetery Man, and plays the Inspector in this film, costarring with an actual conspiracy of ravens, who were notoriously difficult to work with, delivering an impressively accurate performance. Released in Italy in December of 1987, it did not receive a wide international release. However it stands out as one of Argento’s most distinct films, tempered with modernity versus fantasy in a vibrant clash with insanity. Clips of Opera and several other Argento films were used in the video for Skinny Puppy’s ’Worlock’ music video.
“A young opera singer on the cusp of stardom is hounded by a psychopath with a connection to her past, who forces her to watch as he brutally murders her friends and colleagues.” [IMDb]
Director: Dario Argento
Writers: Dario Argento, Franco Ferrini
Stars: Cristina Marsillach, Ian Charleson, Urbano Barberini
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