Forgotten Gialli: Volume Seven

As gialli waned in popularity throughout the 1980s, directors interested in the genre found new ways to integrate black-clad killers and complicated mysteries into other types of films, be it light science fiction, new-wave aesthetics, high-concept capers, or keen commentary on social unrest. Offered here is a trio of outside-the-box gialli that embrace the genre as much as they defy it.

MYSTÈRE

Mystère is one of Rome’s top call-girls whose clients range from political elites to business executives. Her friend Pamela, another prostitute, steals an expensive lighter from a recent client, only to be mysteriously murdered shortly thereafter. When Mystère discovers that not only has Pamela been killed but also the client from whom she stole the lighter, she realizes that her own life might be in danger, a fear quickly validated when she narrowly survives an assassination attempt. Desperate to figure out why she and Pamela were targeted, she finds an ally in Inspector Colt, who has been tasked with solving the crimes. But as their investigation deepens, it becomes clear that the seemingly ordinary lighter holds a potentially deadly secret.

Political intrigue, covert operations, and spies are not the normal ingredients found in a giallo, but veteran director Carlo Vanzina (Nothing Underneath) concocts a delightfully distinctive murder mystery with MYSTÈRE (aka DAGGER EYES). With twist after twist, this pulpy thriller stars Bond-girl Carole Bouquet (For Your Eyes Only) along with more familiar faces like John Steiner (Tenebre) and Gabriele Tinti (Love Camp). Taking ample advantage of the beauty and treachery of Rome with long-time Fellini collaborator Giuseppe Maccari’s colorful photography while offering a throbbing score by Armando Trovajoli (Strange Shadows in an Empty Room), Vinegar Syndrome is pleased to bring the quick-paced and highly entertaining MYSTÈRE to Blu-ray for the first time, newly restored in 4K from its original negative and offering an array of brand new interviews.

OBSESSION: A TASTE FOR FEAR

Set in a semi-futuristic, technology-infused world, Diane is a top photographer for erotic and fashion magazines whose sexually liberated lifestyle carries over to her work. However, when Diane’s newest model, the statuesque Teagan, is found murdered on her set, suspicion falls not only on Diane but her entire production crew and other models. While Inspector Arnold initially assumes the killer is a nerdy technician, a second murder, which is captured on video, reveals the assailant to be a beautiful woman…

While the aesthetics of music videos had taken a firm hold on Italy’s genre film landscape, its stylistic grip on late 80s gialli is no more apparent and better utilized than in Piccio Raffanini’s hypnotic OBSESSION: A TASTE FOR FEAR (aka PATHOS). Starring Australian model Virginia Hey (Mad Max: The Road Warrior) and featuring a cameo appearance from musician Kid Creole, this non-stop visual feast offers mind-bending scope photography by Romano Albani (Phenomena) and a soundtrack comprised of international pop hits. Never legally available on disc and long subject to badly-cropped video versions that betrayed its striking production design, Vinegar Syndrome at last presents this totally unique 80s pop culture-infused giallo on Blu-ray, exquisitely restored in 4K from its original negative and offering a plethora of newly-produced bonus features.

SWEETS FROM A STRANGER

A bicycle-riding, razor-wielding killer is stalking and slashing Rome’s ladies of the night. Stella, who has risen above the level of streetwalker and now works as a high-class escort, is shocked when she learns that a dear friend has become the maniac’s latest victim. Disgusted by the failure of the police to either find the killer or even protect other women, she hatches her own plan to help fellow prostitutes organize and learn self-defense in the hopes that their own actions will lead to the culprit’s unmasking.

A surprisingly socially-conscious giallo that earnestly reflects on the state of prostitution in Italy, prolific writer Franco Ferrini’s (Nothing Underneath, Rings of Fear) sole directorial effort, SWEETS FROM A STRANGER, offers a distinctive hybrid of razor murders and thoughtful commentary heightened by nuanced and believable characters. Featuring a catchy score and title song by Umberto Smaila as well as a supporting performance from Italian genre legend Laura Betti (A Bay of Blood, Salò), this one-of-a-kind giallo makes its worldwide disc debut, newly restored in 2K from its original negative and including an abundance of new interviews filled with insight into this unusual production.