Alex Ritt (Rick Gianasi) is a music video director who comes to Italy on business. He witnesses the death of Rebecca (Veronica Logan) at the hands of a crazed killer-it is only the beginning of a chain of brutal murders. Alex is the main suspect for the police, but perhaps the solution to the mystery lies in the figure of the painter Andrea Pisani, a cursed artist...
Al Festa attempts to direct a pretentious, quotable film, a hypnotic and complex work with several models in mind (from Argentine opera to The sign of the command).
Unfortunately, it fails in the ambitious project although in a full two hours of film some interesting gimmicks are there.
The cinematography, especially the lighting, is remarkable. The beginning of the film, in black and white, as well as the ending that gives a circular structure to the narrative, is excellent.
The music is certainly up to par, including by the same director, who was born in the world of video clips. The special effects are decent.
The flaws are in the story, which is very contrived, with even forced narrative passages.
The acting is not always the best although there are very interesting cameos.
The solution to the mystery has little credibility.
Certainly the film is a visual experience, but it is not one for everyone, especially those trying to approach horror.
The genesis of the film was very troubled and this greatly affected it. General dedication to Donald Pleasence, who died during processing.
It must be said that for many people the film is unwatchable. For me it is a missed and unrepeatable opportunity.
Review by Zick
