70s Films Header Image

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage – 1970
Director
Dario Argento

Writer
Dario Argento

Cast
Tony Musante
Suzy Kendall
Enrico Maria Salerno

 

Review by Wayne Malin

Very good, especially for Argento fans,

A writer notices a woman being attacked and tries to save her. She survives…but now the killer is after him. A very early Argento film (I believe his first) shows all the trademarks that he perfected in his later films–shots from the killers POV; the killer being in a black trenchcoat; the stalking sequences; the eye looking through the hole in the door; the killings; the great use of wide screen.

The only thing missing is graphic gore (the film is PG)…there are murders but they’re pretty tame. The story is fairly interesting with huge gaps in logic (an Argento trademark) and has some very good, suspenseful moments.

The dubbing does detract and the acting is pretty bad, but Argento keeps things moving quickly and some of his direction is astounding.

Worth seeing. If you’re an Argento fan (like me) this is a must-see. Also, it has to be seen in a theatre or letter-boxed…that’s the only way it would work.

Share it now

70s Films

A tour through the great and not so great films of the seventies The seventies saw a huge change in styles and genres from the advent of the slasher horror movies like Halloween and the blockbuster summers films started by Jaws. More...

Join the Discussion

Register now & join in the discussions, this will allow you to add your own comments, memories, photographs and stories to our ever growing website dedicated to the Seventies. Simply sign up using your Facebook, Twitter, Linked In or Google+ Account

Your API connection setting not working. try to change setting from module option or check your php.ini setting for (cURL support = enabled OR allow_url_fopen = On)

Like this Film ? Share it now