19-04-2010

Switchblade aesthetics


The 'Giallo' genre is one that evolves around sexuality, violence, suspense, aesthetics and fashion to name a couple of elements. Named after Italian suspense and thriller publications with a yellow (giallo) cover, it has become one of the most interesting film genres of its time. The giallo movies gained great popularity in the sixties, with directors such as Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci and Mario Bava. What makes these movies particularly interesting is that the narrative isn’t the main focus. The visual aesthetics are equally important, maybe even more important. All these things combined result in beautiful but horrific thrillers/horrors with very thin storylines.

Now, many years after it’s peak, a new generation of Giallo lovers has risen. Two of them, Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani, decided to make a Giallo movie themselves and succeeded. Amer is one of the most visually astonishing movies I have ever seen. Every scene is a moving picture. Composition, styling, color, framing, everything is in it's place. It’s an experience, the directors wanted to stimulate all five of the senses, so expect spot-on sound editing, intense cuts, an amazing soundtrack and mind-boggling visuals.

A small premiere for the Dutch readers, there will be a Dutch dvd and theatrical release later on this year. Make sure to watch it then or later on this week at the Imagine Film Festival in Amsterdam. Check out the movie site for trailers and background information.

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