The Master of Horror: Dario Argento
Dario Argento is an Italian filmmaker known for his unique and daring approach to horror films. He’s considered one of the masters of the genre, thanks to his ability to create suspense and terror through his use of lighting, camera angles, and music. Argento’s films are known for their graphic violence, stunning visuals, and iconic demons. In this post, we’ll explore the dark and daring world of Dario Argento, as we rank his films and take a closer look at his most memorable demons.
Ranking Dario Argento’s Films
1. Deep Red (1975)
Considered by many to be Argento’s masterpiece, Deep Red is a giallo film that follows a pianist who witnesses a murder and becomes the killer’s next target. The film is known for its stunning cinematography, intense score, and shocking twist ending.
2. Suspiria (1977)
Suspiria is a supernatural horror film that follows an American dancer who joins a prestigious ballet academy in Germany, only to discover that the school is run by a coven of witches. The film is known for its vibrant colors, haunting score, and surreal visuals.
3. Tenebrae (1982)
Tenebrae is a giallo film that follows an American author who travels to Rome to promote his latest book, only to become embroiled in a string of murders that seem to be inspired by his work. The film is known for its stylish violence, intricate plot, and shocking twist ending.
4. Inferno (1980)
Inferno is a supernatural horror film that follows a young woman who discovers a book that reveals the existence of three powerful witches who are planning to take over the world. The film is known for its dreamlike visuals, eerie score, and surreal storyline.
5. Opera (1987)
Opera is a giallo film that follows a young opera singer who becomes the target of a deranged fan who is killing everyone around her. The film is known for its stunning cinematography, brutal violence, and unforgettable set pieces.
Iconic Demons in Dario Argento’s Films
1. The Three Mothers
The Three Mothers are a trio of powerful witches who appear in Argento’s Inferno, Suspiria, and Mother of Tears. Each of the witches represents a different element (water, fire, and darkness) and is associated with a different city (Rome, Freiburg, and New York).
2. The Killer in Deep Red
The killer in Deep Red is one of Argento’s most iconic demons. The character wears dark glasses and a trench coat, and is known for his brutal murders and eerie presence.
3. The Bat in Tenebrae
The bat in Tenebrae is a recurring motif in the film, and is used by the killer to commit several of the murders. The bat is a symbol of the killer’s obsession with the author’s work, and represents his desire to become the author’s equal.
4. The Black Gloves in Opera
The black gloves in Opera are a symbol of the killer’s identity, and are worn by several different characters throughout the film. The gloves are used to commit several of the murders, and represent the killer’s desire for control and power.
5. The Ghosts in Suspiria
The ghosts in Suspiria are a recurring motif in the film, and are used to create a sense of unease and terror. The ghosts represent the supernatural forces that are at work in the ballet academy, and are a reminder that the characters are never truly safe.
