Libido (1965) ***1/2

A very good early giallo with plenty of mystery, melodrama, gothic flavor, and psychosexual overtones, Libido (1965) was the directorial debut of co-director (and giallo superscribe) Ernesto Gastaldi and the film debut of actor Giancarlo Giannini. 

Having much in common with the look and feel of Diabolique (1955) (review), Mario Bava's The Girl Who Knew Too Much (1963) (review)—widely considered the first giallo—as well as the stylings of Agatha Christie, Libido makes great use of its single setting, small cast, and slow-building tension, aided by a suitably spooky score by Carlo Rustichelli.

Giallo Feature Films Ranked