#5 Suspiria Review: Top 5 Horror Films For Halloween
Suspiria: 20th Century Fox
Runtime: 98 mins Release Date: April 3, 1977
Director: Dario Argento
Starring: Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Flavio Bucci
Screenplay: Dario Argento, Daria Nicolodi Score: Goblin
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Suspiria begins in an unnaturally lit airport lobby with the oppressive opening score and narration setting the tone for the film. Our protagonist Suzy has just arrived in Europe from America to attend a prestigious dance academy. From the moment she arrives at the school, the film begins to unravel into a psychedelic and suspenseful narrative, with vivid colourful lighting and an eerie atmosphere that many have described as feeling like being in a nightmare. Soon after her arrival mysterious deaths begin to claim individuals connected to the school, and as the death toll rises Suzy and her friend Sara set out to uncover the academy’s dark, hidden secrets.
I don’t think there’s any film quite like Suspiria, it’s dream like atmosphere and lighting makes it standout in the genre, the lighting is constantly changing from vibrant reds to greens and blues, and the fact that this was filmed in technicolor means the colours pop way more than a modern film that's shot on digital (especially if you’re watching it in high definition or 4K). The film's director Dario Argento is a personal favorite of mine. And while he has many horror films to pick from for this list, I feel this one embodies the spirit of Halloween the most.
The stylish effects are truly astounding, and the kills are incredibly memorable. You really get wrapped up in the atmosphere of the academy to the point that it feels almost like a presence in itself. The score as well is incredibly oppressive and anxiety inducing, it was produced by Goblin an italian progressive rock band. Its psychedelic tone is very reminiscent of Pink Floyd's early albums.
Fundamentally, this film is not only unique, but awe inspiring in its scope and storytelling capability. The few who dislike it cite its lack of clear storytelling is a deterrent, however I and many others feel that the film is a representation of emotion conveyed through a dreamscape, and it doesn’t need to fall into the conventions of traditional storytelling. You simply need to feel the film, as the film is more of an experience than a conventional story. This one is relatively tame on the gore as well, and would be an easier watch than some of the other films on this list for people who aren’t particularly into the blood-and-guts side of horror.
