It may be an orthodox slasher film by a first time director and influenced obviously by Dario Argento but it is a gripping film from beginning to end. A psychopathic killer escapes a mental hospital and ends up in a theatre where a dance troupe are rehearsing their upcoming production. What follows is a heady brew of suspense and gore. It is very well shot and the music, which mainly is the strange music used in the production, adds immeasurably to the atmosphere. The killer wears a creepy owl mask and doesn't utter a word which makes him even more disturbing. It is a simple story but there are some tense scenes and the late scene with the finding of the key is immaculately staged, mixing terror with visual beauty to great effectiveness.
It's difficult to assess the acting in a dubbed version but the cast were scared and hysterical and brave in the right proportion. Michele Soavi directs with an assured hand and Renato Tafuri provides splendid cinematography. One used to have great affection for owls but after watching this film I've begun to have doubts....
It's difficult to assess the acting in a dubbed version but the cast were scared and hysterical and brave in the right proportion. Michele Soavi directs with an assured hand and Renato Tafuri provides splendid cinematography. One used to have great affection for owls but after watching this film I've begun to have doubts....