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Movies => Bad Movies => Topic started by: RCMerchant on April 02, 2023, 03:57:14 PM

Title: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 02, 2023, 03:57:14 PM
Mama Mia!
Here we go-

1. BLACK SUNDAY (1960) Barbra Steele! Mario Bava!
2. KILL, BABY, KILL! (1966) A Masterpiece. Also Bava.
3. BURIAL GROUND: NIGHTS OF TERROR (1981) Michael must be a national treasure. " This cloth- it smells of death!"
4. GATES OF HELL (1980) Fulci! Ghosts! Zombies! A power drill!
More later-!

"Michael!"

(https://i.imgur.com/kD0gJtm.gif) (https://lunapic.com)



Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Alex on April 02, 2023, 04:11:13 PM
In no particular order.

1. Demons.
2. Demons 2.
3. Suspira.
4. Zombi Flesh Eaters.
5. House By The Cemetary.
6. Tenebrae.
7. The Beyond.
8. The Church.

I'll have to think a bit on the last two.
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 02, 2023, 05:05:56 PM
NEW YORK RIPPER
TENEBRAE
DEEP RED
CONTAMINATION
NIGHTMARE BEACH
ZOMBI HOLOCAUST
SPASMO
EYEBALL
LIZARD IN A WOMAN'S SKIN
WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO YOUR DAUGHTERS?

might change some if I put more thought in

Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 02, 2023, 05:20:57 PM
^ There are some on both you guys lists that I'm gonna list, I'm positive.
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Trevor on April 02, 2023, 05:39:15 PM
The only Italian horror I know about is when customs officials there realized I was in their country in 2002 😳😉
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: FatFreddysCat on April 02, 2023, 06:09:11 PM
The Beyond
House By The Cemetery
Nightmare City aka City of the Walking Dead*
Demons
Contamination
Hell of the Living Dead
Rats: Night of Terror
Shocking Dark aka Terminator 2
Creepers aka Phenomena
Zombi Holocaust aka Doctor Butcher M.D.

*filmed in Spain but directed by an Italian, so that counts in my book.
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 02, 2023, 08:32:41 PM
Quote from: Trevor on April 02, 2023, 05:39:15 PM
The only Italian horror I know about is when customs officials there realized I was in their country in 2002 😳😉

You never seen an Italian horror film?  :question:
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Allhallowsday on April 02, 2023, 09:21:05 PM
Quote from: RCMerchant on April 02, 2023, 03:57:14 PM
...
4. GATES OF HELL (1980) Fulci! Ghosts! Zombies! A power drill!...

1. aka CITY OF THE DEAD ... saw it in 1980 as GATES OF HELL (USA title)... we were stoned and once again had the p!ss scared out of us!


2. DANZA MACABRE (1964 aka CASTLE OF BLOOD) with BARBARA STEELE  :thumbup:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9d/Danza_macabra_poster.jpg)
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Allhallowsday on April 02, 2023, 11:33:01 PM
3. DEMONS 2 - thank you Alex because I'm not sure about DEMONS but 2 I won't forget!   :teddyr:
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 02:42:11 AM
5. DEMONS (1985) is fantastic. Starts out with a group of young people watching a BLACK SUNDAY type of movie in a theater, but a cursed mask used as a promotional device in the film turns them into bloodthristy ...well, demons! I can't underestimate how gory, silly and downright SCARY this movie is! I picked up a copy on vhs many moons ago. Watched it so many times I'm amazed it ain't worn out. Made by Mario's son, Lamberto Bava!

Delightful!

(https://i.imgur.com/f2zE1Bu.gif) (https://lunapic.com)
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Alex on April 03, 2023, 03:16:36 AM
Quote from: Allhallowsday on April 02, 2023, 11:33:01 PM
3. DEMONS 2 - thank you Alex because I'm not sure about DEMONS but 2 I won't forget!   :teddyr:

Technically there is a Demons 3, but from what I've heard it doesn't really connect to the other 2 movies.
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 03:28:47 AM
^ I think the CHURCH (1988) was concieved as DEMONS 3.
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Alex on April 03, 2023, 03:35:49 AM
Quote from: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 03:28:47 AM
^ I think the CHURCH (1988) was concieved as DEMONS 3.

Could be. I'd heard it also being called The Ogre.
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 04:23:01 AM
6. ZOMBIE (1979) aka ZOMBIE 2 aka ZOMBIE FLESH EATERS

Fulci's gory zombie masterpiece! The shark vs zombie scene; the piece of wood in the eyeball; the wormy eyed dead conquistidor rising from the grave- classic.

(https://i.imgur.com/EC2Rspw.jpg) (https://lunapic.com)
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 03, 2023, 05:35:31 AM
Quote from: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 02:42:11 AM
Made by Mario's son, Lamberto Bava!


Lamberto Bava's A BLADE IN THE DARK nearly made my top 10... this might sound like heresey but I actually prefer it to any of his dad's films!

A BAY OF BLOOD is my fav Mario Bava... would probably hover around my top 20
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 05:59:12 AM
^ I've not seen A BLADE IN THE DARK or- (I'm so ashamed!) BAY OF BLOOD as of yet!  :bluesad:
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 03, 2023, 06:29:28 AM
Quote from: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 05:59:12 AM
or- (I'm so ashamed!) BAY OF BLOOD as of yet!  :bluesad:

worth a watch... a bit low key / atmospheric but it's good (and credited with inspiring Friday 13th)
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Trevor on April 03, 2023, 06:53:19 AM
Quote from: RCMerchant on April 02, 2023, 08:32:41 PM
Quote from: Trevor on April 02, 2023, 05:39:15 PM
The only Italian horror I know about is when customs officials there realized I was in their country in 2002 😳😉

You never seen an Italian horror film?  :question:

:teddyr: :wink: :wink:

City of the Living Dead
The Beyond
Nightmare Castle (with Barbara Steele)
Cannibal Holocaust
Deep Red
Inferno
Suspiria
The New York Ripper
Zombie Holocaust / Dr Butcher MD
Zombie 2
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 07:14:20 AM
^ Many good pics there, mi companero!  :teddyr:
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 07:31:30 AM
Quote from: zombie no.one on April 03, 2023, 06:29:28 AM
Quote from: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 05:59:12 AM
or- (I'm so ashamed!) BAY OF BLOOD as of yet!  :bluesad:

worth a watch... a bit low key / atmospheric but it's good (and credited with inspiring Friday 13th)

That's what I've heard tell. I really need to see it.

7. RABID DOGS (1974) Mario Bava's last film. This movie is almost torture porn s**t- but with such style and great story telling- I can't describe. WATCH it! You won't regret it.

(https://i.imgur.com/xVGY7IE.gif) (https://lunapic.com)

Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Trevor on April 03, 2023, 10:07:18 AM
Quote from: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 05:59:12 AM
^ I've not seen A BLADE IN THE DARK or- (I'm so ashamed!) BAY OF BLOOD as of yet!  :bluesad:

Neither have I: BOB was banned here. 😕
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: M.10rda on April 03, 2023, 11:57:23 AM
Quote from: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 02:42:11 AM
5. DEMONS (1985) is fantastic. Starts out with a group of young people watching a BLACK SUNDAY type of movie in a theater, but a cursed mask used as a promotional device in the film turns them into bloodthristy ...well, demons! I can't underestimate how gory, silly and downright SCARY this movie is! I picked up a copy on vhs many moons ago. Watched it so many times I'm amazed it ain't worn out. Made by Mario's son, Lamberto Bava!

Delightful!

(https://i.imgur.com/f2zE1Bu.gif) (https://lunapic.com)

I too saw this first on VHS in the 90s (still have that tape!). However, I did not fall in love w/ DEMONS until a midnight show on the big screen about 11 years ago. DEMONS is one of those flicks that MUST be appreciated LARGE and in yo' face, w/ good sound (for the excellent soundtrack and all the screaming), and preferably w/ a bunch of drunk lunatics seated all around you. A delightful evening.
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Allhallowsday on April 03, 2023, 01:55:03 PM
Quote from: Trevor on April 03, 2023, 06:53:19 AM
...
Nightmare Castle (with Barbara Steele)
...

I guess this has yet another title :


2. DANZA MACABRE (1964 aka CASTLE OF BLOOD) with BARBARA STEELE  :thumbup:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9d/Danza_macabra_poster.jpg)
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 02:32:12 PM
Quote from: Allhallowsday on April 03, 2023, 01:55:03 PM
Quote from: Trevor on April 03, 2023, 06:53:19 AM
...
Nightmare Castle (with Barbara Steele)
...

I guess this has yet another title :


2. DANZA MACABRE (1964 aka CASTLE OF BLOOD) with BARBARA STEELE  :thumbup:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9d/Danza_macabra_poster.jpg)

GREAT movie! But you already listed this one!  :wink:
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Allhallowsday on April 03, 2023, 02:35:56 PM
Quote from: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 02:32:12 PM
Quote from: Allhallowsday on April 03, 2023, 01:55:03 PM
Quote from: Trevor on April 03, 2023, 06:53:19 AM
...
Nightmare Castle (with Barbara Steele)
...

I guess this has yet another title :


2. DANZA MACABRE (1964 aka CASTLE OF BLOOD) with BARBARA STEELE  :thumbup:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9d/Danza_macabra_poster.jpg)

GREAT movie! But you already listed this one!  :wink:

I was quoting Trevor in order to confirm a third alternate title for DANZA MACABRE hence quoted myself.   :teddyr: It's a different movie anyway! 
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 02:47:08 PM
I get it!  :thumbup:
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Trevor on April 03, 2023, 03:21:21 PM
The DVD copy of Nightmare Castle I have looks like they got it from a used 16mm print which was rubbed clean with sandpaper and then dragged along the ground for a mile or two  :buggedout: : adds to the creepiness though.  :smile:
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 03:47:43 PM
^Just the way I like 'em! I have a copy of TNT JACKSON (1974) that looks like it went threw every wringer in the washer! Adds to the ambiance!
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 03, 2023, 04:09:12 PM
Quote from: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 07:31:30 AM

7. RABID DOGS (1974) Mario Bava's last film. This movie is almost torture porn s**t- but with such style and great story telling- I can't describe. WATCH it! You won't regret it.

(https://i.imgur.com/xVGY7IE.gif) (https://lunapic.com)

I don't think I've seen that one, and I definitely haven't seen SHOCK (1977) (which I guess must actually be Mario Bava's last film, although it seems RABID DOGS wasn't released properly until the 2000s despite being made earlier)

I'm also a fan of the horror-giallo films starring Edwige Fenech. she is really beautiful. looks kind of innocent and dirty at the same time

THE STRANGE VICE OF MRS. WARDH
ALL THE COLOURS OF THE DARK
YOUR VICE IS A LOCKED ROOM AND ONLY I HAVE THE KEY

(gotta dig those titles at least?).
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Rev. Powell on April 03, 2023, 04:26:49 PM
1. Toby Dammit (1968)
2. Suspiria (1977)
3. Black Sunday (1960)
4. Cemetery Man [Dellamorte Dellamore] (1994)
5. Deep Red (1975)
6. Opera (1987)
7. Kill Baby Kill (1966)
8. The Stendahl Syndrome (1996)
9. The Perfume of the Lady in Black (1974)
10. Lisa and the Devil (1973)

A couple of great ones that were directed by Italians, but not really Italian movies: "Suspiria" (2018), "The Last Man on Earth" (1964)

I liked "Rabid Dogs" a lot but not sure I'd classify it as horror, more of a thriller.
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 05:30:04 PM
Quote from: zombie no.one on April 03, 2023, 04:09:12 PM
Quote from: RCMerchant on April 03, 2023, 07:31:30 AM

7. RABID DOGS (1974) Mario Bava's last film. This movie is almost torture porn s**t- but with such style and great story telling- I can't describe. WATCH it! You won't regret it.

(https://i.imgur.com/xVGY7IE.gif) (https://lunapic.com)

I don't think I've seen that one, and I definitely haven't seen SHOCK (1977) (which I guess must actually be Mario Bava's last film, although it seems RABID DOGS wasn't released properly until the 2000s despite being made earlier)

I'm also a fan of the horror-giallo films starring Edwige Fenech. she is really beautiful. looks kind of innocent and dirty at the same time

THE STRANGE VICE OF MRS. WARDH
ALL THE COLOURS OF THE DARK
YOUR VICE IS A LOCKED ROOM AND ONLY I HAVE THE KEY

(gotta dig those titles at least?).

Edwige is a fox. I ain't seen those yet- but I plan on it!
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: M.10rda on April 03, 2023, 09:55:20 PM
Quote from: Rev. Powell on April 03, 2023, 04:26:49 PM
1. Toby Dammit (1968)
2. Suspiria (1977)
3. Black Sunday (1960)
4. Cemetery Man [Dellamorte Dellamore] (1994)
5. Deep Red (1975)
6. Opera (1987)
7. Kill Baby Kill (1966)
8. The Stendahl Syndrome (1996)
9. The Perfume of the Lady in Black (1974)
10. Lisa and the Devil (1973)

A phenomenal list as expected from Rev. Powell. TPOTLIB is really tremendous. Likewise KILL BABY KILL.

I've mostly refrained from playing along w/ these recent list-games 'cause my brain doesn't work well in such sub-categorical ways. I tend to rank movies of all genres and sub-genres against each other, Italian horror alongside vampire movies alongside Frankenstein movies alongside Jennifer Aniston rom-coms (w/ the latter always ending up at the bottom of any mental list, of course).

But, here's a movie that's Italian and horrific that I don't think anyone's mentioned yet - that I hold in great regard: Brunello Rondi's IL DEMONIO aka THE DEMON (1963). Perhaps slow if you're looking for cheap thrills, but it escalates nicely. Both POSSESSION and THE EXORCIST owe significant debts to this film.
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 04, 2023, 01:39:32 AM
Quote from: Rev. Powell on April 03, 2023, 04:26:49 PM

I liked "Rabid Dogs" a lot but not sure I'd classify it as horror, more of a thriller.

yeah the line between giallo, thriller, politzietti (sp?) and horror in those 70s italian movies is not always clear... I was thinking that about including WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO YOUR DAUGHTERS? in my list, but it does have a masked hatchet-weilding madman throughout, so...

never heard of your #1 btw!
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Rev. Powell on April 04, 2023, 01:54:29 AM
Quote from: zombie no.one on April 04, 2023, 01:39:32 AM
Quote from: Rev. Powell on April 03, 2023, 04:26:49 PM

I liked "Rabid Dogs" a lot but not sure I'd classify it as horror, more of a thriller.

yeah the line between giallo, thriller, politzietti (sp?) and horror in those 70s italian movies is not always clear... I was thinking that about including WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO YOUR DAUGHTERS? in my list, but it does have a masked hatchet-weilding madman throughout, so...

never heard of your #1 btw!

It's the Fellini segment from the anthology "Spirits of the Dead." It's 43 minutes and often screened by itself (the other two stories aren't considered as good.)
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 04, 2023, 03:42:11 AM
Quote from: M.10rda on April 03, 2023, 09:55:20 PM
Quote from: Rev. Powell on April 03, 2023, 04:26:49 PM
1. Toby Dammit (1968)
2. Suspiria (1977)
3. Black Sunday (1960)
4. Cemetery Man [Dellamorte Dellamore] (1994)
5. Deep Red (1975)
6. Opera (1987)
7. Kill Baby Kill (1966)
8. The Stendahl Syndrome (1996)
9. The Perfume of the Lady in Black (1974)
10. Lisa and the Devil (1973)

A phenomenal list as expected from Rev. Powell. TPOTLIB is really tremendous. Likewise KILL BABY KILL.

I've mostly refrained from playing along w/ these recent list-games 'cause my brain doesn't work well in such sub-categorical ways. I tend to rank movies of all genres and sub-genres against each other, Italian horror alongside vampire movies alongside Frankenstein movies alongside Jennifer Aniston rom-coms (w/ the latter always ending up at the bottom of any mental list, of course).

But, here's a movie that's Italian and horrific that I don't think anyone's mentioned yet - that I hold in great regard: Brunello Rondi's IL DEMONIO aka THE DEMON (1963). Perhaps slow if you're looking for cheap thrills, but it escalates nicely. Both POSSESSION and THE EXORCIST owe significant debts to this film.

The DEMON is great- it even has the upside- down spider walk!

(https://i.imgur.com/ww8RNPP.jpg) (https://lunapic.com)
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: M.10rda on April 04, 2023, 08:21:01 AM
Quote from: RCMerchant on April 04, 2023, 03:42:11 AM

The DEMON is great- it even has the upside- down spider walk!

(https://i.imgur.com/ww8RNPP.jpg) (https://lunapic.com)

TRUTH
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 04, 2023, 09:51:36 AM
Some rather wayward but still enjoyable (imo) entries:

MANHATTAN BABY
THE HOUSE OF LOST SOULS
ZOMBIE 5: KILLING BIRDS
EATEN ALIVE
BLACK DEMONS
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Ticonderoga 64 on April 04, 2023, 09:59:25 AM
In no particular order:

BLOOD AND BLACK LACE(1964)
AN ANGEL FOR SATAN(1966)
BLACK SABBATH(1963)
LADY FRANKENSTEIN(1971)
BLOODY PIT OF OF HORROR(1965)
BLACK SUNDAY(1960)
PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES(1965)
BARON BLOOD(1972)
WEREWOLF IN A GIRLS' DORMITORY(1963)
KILL, BABY. KILL(1966)

Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 04, 2023, 03:10:17 PM
Quote from: Ticonderoga 64 on April 04, 2023, 09:59:25 AM

BLOODY PIT OF OF HORROR(1965)


fan of this one... didn't really know it was Italian


Quote from: zombie no.one on April 04, 2023, 09:51:36 AM

THE HOUSE OF LOST SOULS


just did a re-watch of this... part of a quadrilogy of films done in 1989, 2 directed by Lenzi, 2 by Fulci, all with the word 'House' in the title. this one's my fav of the 4. equal parts silly and spooky

contains some funny dialogue:

"This stone is from the Paleolithic era, that's way before Kojak licked his first lollipop"

^said by a kid who looks no older than ten
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: claws on April 04, 2023, 04:37:02 PM
Might as well list all Italian horror I own. Ranked from best (favorites) to worst:

1. Troll 2 (1990)
2. Suspiria (1977)
3. Deep Red (1975)
4. Zombie (1979)
5. The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970)
6. Cemetery Man (1994)
7. Opera (1987)
8. The Psychic (1977)
9. The House with Laughing Windows (1976)
10. Phenomena (1985)
11. Demons (1985)
12. The Beyond (1981)
13. Inferno (1980)
14. StageFright (1987)
15. Torso (1973)
16. City of the Living Dead (1980)
17. The Church (1989)
18. Sleepless (2001)
19. Buio Omega (1979)
20. Shock (1977)
21. The House by the Cemetery (1981)
22. Demons 2 (1986)
23. The Stendhal Syndrome (1996)
24. Jungle Holocaust (1977)
25. A Blade in the Dark (1983)
26. Night Train Murders (1975)
27. The Sect (1991)
28. The Night Child (1975)
29. Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
30. Trauma (1993)
31. Nightmare City (1980)
32. Burial Ground: The Nights of Terror (1981)
33. House on the Edge of the Park (1980)
34. The Black Cat (1981)
35. Macabre (1980)
36. Strip Nude for Your Killer (1975)
37. Cut and Run (1984)
38. The Antichrist (1974)
39. Patrick Still Lives (1980)
40. Anthropophagus (1980)
41. Invasion of the Fleshhunters (1980)
42. Welcome to Spring Break (1989)
43. There Was a Little Girl (1981)
44. Murder-Rock: Dancing Death (1984)
45. Primal Rage (1988)
46. Murder Syndrome (1981)
47. Mother of Tears (2007)
48. Cannibal Ferox (1981)
49. Zombie Holocaust (1980)
50. Contamination (1980)
51. Slave of the Cannibal God (1978)
52. Massacre in Dinosaur Valley (1985)
53. Werewolf Woman (1976)
54. Hitcher in the Dark (1989)
55. Hell of the Living Dead (1980)
56. Zombie 3 (1988)
57. Beyond the Door (1974)
58. Body Count (1986)
59. The Other Hell (1981)
60. Evil Eye (1975)
61. Rats: Night of Terror (1984)
62. The Great Alligator River (1979)
63. The Ogre (1988)
64. Zombie 4: After Death (1989)
65. Witchery (1988)
66. Black Demons (1991)
67. Zombie 5: Killing Birds (1988)
68. Alien 2: On Earth (1980)
69. White Cannibal Queen (1980)
70. Evil Clutch (1988)
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 05, 2023, 04:34:06 AM
9. The House with Laughing Windows (1976)

this one's good.  :thumbup: unusual atmosphere.... recently bought a later early 80s horror by the same director called ZEDER which unfortunately was dull.


15. Torso (1973) 

yeah that's another one which is just a very solid example of the genre


  45. Primal Rage (1988) 

really enjoy this one. same writers as NIGHTMARE BEACH (same main girl actress as well) which I enjoy a bit more so that one made my top 10, but this is close
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 05, 2023, 07:46:23 PM
8. DEEP RED (1976) First Argento film I ever saw- and his best, IMHO. The score by Goblin is great.
Plus a real creepy mechanical doll. And, of course, all that blood.

(https://i.imgur.com/NHsMncE.jpg) (https://lunapic.com)
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Trevor on April 05, 2023, 08:00:48 PM
Quote from: RCMerchant on April 05, 2023, 07:46:23 PM
8. DEEP RED (1976) First Argento film I ever saw- and his best, IMHO. The score by Goblin is great.
Plus a real creepy mechanical doll. And, of course, all that blood.

(https://i.imgur.com/NHsMncE.jpg) (https://lunapic.com)

That was my first Dario Argento film too. 😊
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 06, 2023, 04:21:14 AM
Ditto... in fact first Italian horror I ever saw... set the bar kinda high

Only recently saw Argento's DRACULA 3D, which while a bit crack was nowhere near as bad as I was expecting.


Edit, that was meant to say 'cack' not crack... although maybe crack was involved somewhere in the creation of that film
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: M.10rda on April 06, 2023, 08:19:41 AM
Quote from: claws on April 04, 2023, 04:37:02 PM
Might as well list all Italian horror I own. Ranked from best (favorites) to worst:

1. Troll 2 (1990)
70. Evil Clutch (1988)

:bluesad:
I won't knock on TROLL 2, which is of course hilarious, but I admit sincere fondness for EVIL CLUTCH. Saw it first on VHS in '91 or '92 and (still high off my first exposure 3 or 4 years prior to Barry Sonnenfeld's dizzying dolly & steadicam pyrotechnics in RAISING ARIZONA) I thought EVIL CLUTCH had the second greatest collection of tracking shots in cinema history. Of course, I'd yet to have seen POSSESSION (2nd mention in one thread, woot!) or dozens of other far more expertly lensed films. But I had seen EVIL DEAD 2, and purely on the basis of cinematography, I preferred EVIL CLUTCH.  :hot:

As a reasonable adult, I find it hard to argue that EVIL CLUTCH has better mobile camerawork than EVIL DEAD 2....... but it's still easy to maintain it's got MORE mobile camerawork than EVIL DEAD 2.  :bouncegiggle: These poor hapless Italian kids spent ALL their allowances on a weekend rental of that steadicam, and by God, they are going to shoot THE WHOLE damn movie on that steadicam! As a young teen filmmaker, that really lit my fire. Say whatever else you want about EVIL CLUTCH's plot, acting, or SFX... those kids got their money's worth on that rental!

.......I HAD seen GOODFELLAS by the time I first saw EVIL CLUTCH, and EVIL CLUTCH also definitely had much, much more steadicam than GOODFELLAS! :cheers:
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: Trevor on April 06, 2023, 09:32:13 AM
Years ago an Italian archivist colleague visited us and he asked me if I had any fave Italian filmmakers so me being me, I said "Antonio Margheriti and Lucio Fulci".

He went  :buggedout: and said "Stronzo" under his breath  :bouncegiggle: :bouncegiggle:
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 07, 2023, 03:36:43 AM
feel like giving a mention to WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO SOLANGE?

very well made, pretty shocking and horrific in some respects... also unusually (by giallo standards) a really clever and coherent twist.

A lot of giallo, the twist comes and you're left scratching your head
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: claws on April 07, 2023, 04:23:23 PM
Quote from: M.10rda on April 06, 2023, 08:19:41 AM

:bluesad:
I won't knock on TROLL 2, which is of course hilarious, but I admit sincere fondness for EVIL CLUTCH. Saw it first on VHS in '91 or '92 and (still high off my first exposure 3 or 4 years prior to Barry Sonnenfeld's dizzying dolly & steadicam pyrotechnics in RAISING ARIZONA) I thought EVIL CLUTCH had the second greatest collection of tracking shots in cinema history. Of course, I'd yet to have seen POSSESSION (2nd mention in one thread, woot!) or dozens of other far more expertly lensed films. But I had seen EVIL DEAD 2, and purely on the basis of cinematography, I preferred EVIL CLUTCH.  :hot:

As a reasonable adult, I find it hard to argue that EVIL CLUTCH has better mobile camerawork than EVIL DEAD 2....... but it's still easy to maintain it's got MORE mobile camerawork than EVIL DEAD 2.  :bouncegiggle: These poor hapless Italian kids spent ALL their allowances on a weekend rental of that steadicam, and by God, they are going to shoot THE WHOLE damn movie on that steadicam! As a young teen filmmaker, that really lit my fire. Say whatever else you want about EVIL CLUTCH's plot, acting, or SFX... those kids got their money's worth on that rental!

.......I HAD seen GOODFELLAS by the time I first saw EVIL CLUTCH, and EVIL CLUTCH also definitely had much, much more steadicam than GOODFELLAS! :cheers:

Makes you wonder when an Italian movie doesn't find theatrical distribution in Italy, in the 1980s, back when they threw pretty much everything at the big screen.

Hey, I'm always rooting for the cinematic underdog but Evil Clutch is plain awful and no steadycam can save it. Unless you have a steadycam fetish. Matter of fact, if you read reviews people are complaining about the steady use of the steadycam.

I mean, just watch the end with the girl walking. This is when I was screaming ENOUGH (STEADYCAM) ALREADY  :bouncegiggle: It is without a doubt the worst steadycam ending in film history.

They should have used the steadycam wisely, to enhance certain scenes. You know, that and try to make an actual good movie. Instead it is silly steadycam overkill without rhyme and reason, making it annoyingly tiresome and incredibly stupid.

The sad thing is its not even good in a bad way. The director inserted footage from a previous short film he made, so the film is also riddled with continuity errors.

I guess it is worth a watch when curious about the steadycam work, but watch with caution.
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 08, 2023, 06:43:21 AM
9. PHENOMENA (1985) Dario Argento! Donald Pleasance! Insects! A monkey with a straight razor!
A classic.

(https://i.imgur.com/n23nVTW.gif) (https://lunapic.com)

Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: M.10rda on April 08, 2023, 08:53:28 AM
Quote from: claws on April 07, 2023, 04:23:23 PM

I mean, just watch the end with the girl walking. This is when I was screaming ENOUGH (STEADYCAM) ALREADY  :bouncegiggle: It is without a doubt the worst steadycam ending in film history.


:bouncegiggle: It's a fair cop, I suppose! I have a much lower threshold for gratuitous style over substance than I did when I was 14. I admit I watched EC again about ten years later and was less impressed by everything BUT the steadycam - though I still liked that steadycam! I suppose I do have a steadycam fetish.

Ergo I don't have an issue w/ the ending - but even if I did, I BET there is a WORSE "steadycam ending" somewhere in film history. I dunno where but I will think on it!
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 08, 2023, 09:23:02 PM
EVIL CLUTCH gave me a headache.  :bluesad:
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 19, 2023, 05:58:40 AM
10. NIGHTMARE CASTLE (1966)
The music, the atmosphere, the madness, the sadism- oh and my favorite horror actress of all time, Barbara Steele!

(https://i.imgur.com/qtlrUfU.jpg) (https://lunapic.com)
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 21, 2023, 07:27:18 AM
my local hmv had a half price sale, just picked up SHOCK on bluray....

from the trailer there seems to be quite a prominent child character.... I dunno what it is about kids in talian horrors, but they always seem to be super annoying? Hope this one doesn't grate on me too hard lol
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 22, 2023, 06:29:11 AM
^ It's a real f**ked up movie. I think you will enjoy it.
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 22, 2023, 08:52:29 AM
Haha, hope so... will report back when I've given it a watch
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 22, 2023, 09:44:05 AM
^ Oh yeah the kids ain't annoying, their evil!
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 24, 2023, 03:24:55 AM
had a watch of SHOCK... unusual to see Dario Argento's wife in a movie not directed by him. yeah I liked it. better than Fulci's THE PSYCHIC from the same year. yes the little kid was evil... but also had the face of a teenager? bit strange. I liked the Goblin-esque funky soundtrack.
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: FatFreddysCat on April 24, 2023, 07:40:02 AM
Quote from: zombie no.one on April 21, 2023, 07:27:18 AM
I dunno what it is about kids in talian horrors, but they always seem to be super annoying? Hope this one doesn't grate on me too hard lol

I've often said the same thing: kids in Italian horror movies are usually so obnoxious that you WANT something terrible to happen to them!
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 24, 2023, 04:40:49 PM
haha true.

this has reminded me of an Italian horror featuring an adult actor who has a condition that makes him.look like a child. he plays a child in the film. the only other thing I remember is I think he has an 'unhealthy' relationship with his mother (in the film)..can't remember the name of it
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: LilCerberus on April 24, 2023, 05:46:46 PM
Quote from: zombie no.one on April 24, 2023, 04:40:49 PM
haha true.

this has reminded me of an Italian horror featuring an adult actor who has a condition that makes him.look like a child. he plays a child in the film. the only other thing I remember is I think he has an 'unhealthy' relationship with his mother (in the film)..can't remember the name of it
Burial Ground? (1981)
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 25, 2023, 03:36:45 AM
Quote from: LilCerberus on April 24, 2023, 05:46:46 PM
Quote from: zombie no.one on April 24, 2023, 04:40:49 PM
haha true.

this has reminded me of an Italian horror featuring an adult actor who has a condition that makes him.look like a child. he plays a child in the film. the only other thing I remember is I think he has an 'unhealthy' relationship with his mother (in the film)..can't remember the name of it
Burial Ground? (1981)

yep that's it  :thumbup:

(https://thatwasabitmental.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/burial-ground-featured-pic.jpg?w=250)
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: RCMerchant on April 25, 2023, 04:40:02 AM
^ The third film I listed.
Title: Re: Top 10 Italian Horror Movies
Post by: zombie no.one on April 25, 2023, 05:45:15 AM
Quote from: RCMerchant on April 25, 2023, 04:40:02 AM
^ The third film I listed.

oh crap, and you literally posted that image (in gif form)...  I'm  dumb.  :teddyr: