The re-emergence of giallo films with the release of Dario
Argento’s THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE found a number of films in the
genre being released. Among them was this gem starring Franco Nero.
Nero stars as alcoholic reporter Andrea Bild who is among
the guests at a New Year’s Eve party where only the high class of Rome have
gathered. When one of the guests is almost murdered on the way home he is
assigned to report on the story.
But the attack is only the first of many, each occurring on
a Tuesday. And all of the victims were in attendance at that party. The single
clue that connects each of the murders is a glove with a new finger missing
from it as the body count rises. As Bild begins digging into the clues he
suddenly finds himself the focus of attention from the police as well. The only
way for him to clear himself is to solve the mystery, netting himself a solid
story in the process.
But that won’t be as easy as expected. Each of the guests
are, as stated, among the top members of the upper crust in Rome. These are
people who can pay to have an alibi or who will back one another up in order to
keep their dark secrets buried. Sifting through the clues is one thing, being
taken off the story when the elite force the issue with your bosses is another.
Along the way we also get to glimpses into Bild’s private
life as well. He’s in the midst of an affair with a married woman strictly for
physical needs, all the while still harboring deep feelings for his ex-wife
Helene (Silvia Monti) who was also at the party. Bild and Helene parry with one
another as they attempt to keep their distance but the underlying current of
affection between the pair is thick. When Helene’s son by her second husband is
placed in jeopardy Bild is there for her.
The movie is impressive to look at with some stunning
cinematography. Combined with the sets and use of color in the midst of drab
cityscapes it holds your interests throughout. Stylish moments are also used to
great effect, in particular the tension built when party guest Sophia (Rossella
Falk), a wheelchair bound wife to doctor Richard Bini (Renato Romano) is
attacked and unable to reach her chair. Crawling across the floor an inch at a
time while the killer toys with her is nerve wracking and a highlight of the
film.
Arrow Video is releasing this film in blu-ray format and
they’ve done their usual stupendous job with the film. I’m at the point where
there’s almost no need to state that fact with their releases they’ve become so
consistently perfect. Here they’ve done a 2k restoration from the original film
negative. The extras are also enjoyable and include a commentary track by
critic Travis Crawford, “Lines and Shadows” a new video essay on the film’s use
of architecture by critic Rachael Nisbet, “Whiskey Giallore” a new video
interview with author and critic Michael Mackenzie, “Black Day for Nero” a new
video interview with actor Franco Nero, “The Rhythm Section” a new video
interview with film editor Eugenio Alabiso, a previously deleted sequence
restored from the original negative, an image gallery, a reversible sleeve
featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Haunt Love and for the
first pressing only an illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on
the film by Kat Ellinger and Peter Jilmstad.
Arrow is doing an amazing job of releasing giallo films in
the best format possible. As a fan I applaud them. As a movie lover I highly
recommend picking this one up to add to your collection.
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