The Stendhal Syndrome (1996) ****
Despite some flaws (namely dodgy early CGI), The Stendhal Syndrome is one of Dario Argento's best films, and one which holds up better than many of his other works on repeat viewings.
In some regards, Stendhal feels more extreme than other Argento films. While just about all of his films feature graphic violence, few of Argento's films have this level of sexual violence (including multiple rape scenes). These scenes are made particularly disturbing due to Argento having cast his daughter Asia as the lead on the receiving end of said violence.
In some regards, Stendhal feels more extreme than other Argento films. While just about all of his films feature graphic violence, few of Argento's films have this level of sexual violence (including multiple rape scenes). These scenes are made particularly disturbing due to Argento having cast his daughter Asia as the lead on the receiving end of said violence.
Speaking of, her performance is excellent and quite diverse (some definite Vertigo (1958) vibes going on here), but unfortunately it's undermined a bit (as is the film in general) by being overdubbed (I realize that there is an Italian language track, but all the characters speak English in the film, and I prefer to watch films where the lips match the dialogue). (Does anyone know who dubbed her? It sounds so much like Uma Thurman.)
The cinematography by Giuseppe Rotunno is stunning (this one doesn't really look or feel like any other Argento film), the theme by Ennio Morricone is haunting and infectious, and the sound design can be immersive at times. A disturbing and unique giallo.
The cinematography by Giuseppe Rotunno is stunning (this one doesn't really look or feel like any other Argento film), the theme by Ennio Morricone is haunting and infectious, and the sound design can be immersive at times. A disturbing and unique giallo.
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