Peter Charney’s review published on Letterboxd:
Hooptober 11 #23 of 31
I found two easily accessible versions of Deep Red: a longer Italian dub and a shorter English cut (which also seemed dubbed). I opted for the longer Italian version, figuring it might feel a bit overstuffed but at least complete.
After feeling fairly indifferent toward my first two Argento films—and not being a big fan of Giallo horror in general—I found Deep Red more narratively engaging, tonally grounded, and stylistically restrained than most other films of its kind. While the murder mystery itself may verge on feeling dry, it becomes fun as it ventures into an eccentric, almost surreal, stalker thriller. Even though the horror sequences are spaced farther apart in this longer version, they're well worth the wait. Goblin’s score brings a thrilling intensity when fully unleashed, though it sometimes defies traditional expectations of horror music’s role in building dread or tension. The film also boasts striking shot compositions and playful camera movements that feel almost autonomous, adding to the sense of unease without overwhelming the genre’s natural style. The whole piece has a captivating, theatrical, time-capsule quality, like an Italian Edward Hopper painting come to life, perfectly matching the eerie, dreamlike tone of the narrative.
I imagine it would be fine to opt for the shorter cut on any subsequent viewings.
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