Deep Red – Dario Argento’s Surreal Murder Mystery
Dario Argento is a name that carries weight in the world of giallo horror, and Deep Red is one of his defining films. But is it his best? Not for me. After watching Suspiria and Phenomena, I had to check out Deep Red, and while it has that signature Argento style, bold colors, strange framing, and a surreal atmosphere, it didn’t quite hit the mark the same way. Still, there’s a lot to unpack here, especially if you’re a fan of weird, visually striking cinema. Grab your Sherlock Holmes gear, call Watson, and let’s talk about a strange murder mystery Dario Argento style.
A Murder Mystery with a Horror Twist
At its core, Deep Red plays out more like a murder mystery than a straight-up horror film. The pacing is slow, almost methodical, as the story drops subtle (and sometimes misleading) clues to help the audience figure out the killer’s identity. This was problematic for me though. The clues didn’t quite make enough sense to follow – that’s not necessarily a bad thing because it keeps the film feeling dreamlike. I mean that you feel like you’re watching a puzzle unfold without being able to put it together yourself. I find often that it’s hard to articulate my thoughts on this stuff. Mayen, even though unlikely, I watch Deep Red again one day and pay more attention to these clues.
Deep Red’s Setting in Turin
The setting is unmistakably European, with its architecture, cars, and streets giving the film a distinct feel. Deep Red was filmed in Italy, which only adds to the stylish visuals. But again, the film moves at a crawl for much of its runtime. It’s not until the last 15 minutes that everything kicks into high gear, and that’s when it really shines. We’ll talk more about the ending later in this blog but, for now I want to mention one filming location that was impressive to see. You can read a full list of locations here but, the Villa Scott in Turn was by far the most stunning. From what I read; it eventually became a school for girls that was run by nuns. That is scary all by itself. I can’t tell you how many horror movies start with that premise. Regardless, this is an exquisite Italian mansion and worth seeing.
Dario Argento’s Visual Obsessions
One thing Argento does better than almost anyone is creating striking imagery, and Deep Red is full of it. There are some truly bizarre shots. One moment that stood out was a character framed within a doorway, seen through another doorway. Think about a picture within a picture and this is what I mean. Then there’s a shot of a woman on the phone, backlit with an eerie green rectangle of light behind her, her face barely visible. These compositions feel deliberate, designed to unsettle in ways that are hard to describe. Then there’s the use of red. The title Deep Red makes sense because almost every scene has something red in it. It’s a subtle but effective way of tying the film’s themes together, almost like a subconscious warning that violence is always lurking.
I don’t claim to be a film maker but, I enjoy making and editing film. You can see all this that you want on my social media linked at the bottom of my site. One thing that I always respected and looked for is the use of transitions between scenes and unique camera angles. Currently, I don’t’ have the time to do what I want in my own 20 second videos. For the time being, I just appreciate others’ use of these. The first movie that I remember seeing that did a fantastic job of this, at least unique camera angels, was Intruder. One scene in Deep Red zooms in a bead of sweat on a character’s face. Another carefully watches the hammers of a piano hit the wires generating the notes behind the keys. Dario Argento’s creative touch is everywhere in Deep Red.
Soundtrack: Sci-Fi Rock Meets Horror in Deep Red’s Score
Another Argento move it seems is the music, and Deep Red is no exception. Deep Red’s soundtrack is weird. It has an almost sci-fi, light rock feel, which is a strange choice for a murder mystery. But somehow, it works. If you’ve seen Phenomena, you know the kind of unique soundtrack I’m talking about. I didn’t realize that the poster credited Iron Maiden and another big band until after watching the movie. Goblin, the band behind Suspiria’s legendary score, also worked on this film, and their influence is obvious. I know I’m harping on these other films quite a bit so, if you’re interested, read my thoughts on Phenomena here and Suspiria here.
Unforgettable (and Sometimes Ridiculous) Moments in Deep Red
Argento is also known for his over-the-top kills, and Deep Red has some brutal ones. One poor guy gets his face smashed against a fireplace in a scene that’s hard to watch. This character was interesting to me. He was a criminal profiler of sorts which I found odd since this science is still very young today 50 years after this movie was made. Then there’s the creepy mechanical doll that comes rushing from a blacked-out corner of a room, which is unexpected and a little creepy. The use of shadows throughout the film adds to the eeriness, making even mundane moments feel off. Argento’s work is visually exciting and honestly this is one of my favorite parts of watching his films.
Now, let’s talk about the ending of Deep Red. The pacing suddenly skyrockets, and everything starts to unravel. One guy gets dragged to his death by a garbage truck – a completely random and insane way to go. The actual murderer’s fate was unique, predictable, and cheesy. It works though. On a side note, if you want to read some thoughts on a film that features an elevator, check out my blog on The Lift here. Resident Evil has a great scene featuring an elevator too. Anyway, let’s move on. The way the credits roll over a pool of blood, with the protagonist’s reflection in it, is a masterful touch. Again, red, it’s a pool of blood, is in the final shot. It reminded me of the opening credits of Microwave Massacre, which remains my favorite opening credits ever. Read my thoughts on this film here.
Final Thoughts on Another Dario Argento Filmography Instalment
Would I ever watch Deep Red again? No. Suspiria is still the gold standard. But am I glad I watched Deep Red? Absolutely. It’s a fascinating film with some incredible visuals, a weirdly captivating soundtrack, and a few unforgettable moments. If I ever revisit it, it’ll be for that final 15-minute stretch, which is where the film truly comes alive. I did learn the term “giallo horror” from the research behind this blog. This has led me to some other films to explore. So, there will be more to come on this. Also, if you ever get the chance to explore an abandoned school named after Leonardo da Vinci or an Italian mansion that’s been left to decay, do it. Just maybe don’t go alone. I always take a friend, my Rottweiler, and a pistol when I do my urban explorations. Check out some photos documenting my adventures here.
If you dig giallo horror, Dario Argento, horror in general, and especially art, we have a lot in common. What’s your favorite film from this sub-genre? Let me know in the comments. What should I watch next? I think I’m going to check out Blood and Black Lace for sure – the title is captivating to me. You’re invited to follow my art journey on social media, visit my website, read more of my blogs on odd films, and consider supporting and buying my art here. Peace.