black belly of the tarantula

[peteyt]

Sorry not really been active lately as rarely have found the time to watch anything. Been a busy year.

I still wanted to see as many Giallo films and watched this last night. It in some ways is kind of generic and I felt it dragged a bit even though it wasn't that long. I had paused a few times to sort some stuff out though which probably played a part.

It involves a killer that attacks people in the back of their neck with an acupuncture needle to paralyse them. The idea is that as the killer does their thing the victim is awake and can feel it but is helpless to do anything. It's an interesting concept although I feel it could have been used a bit better. Reminds me of the Argento film opera where the killer stalks someone and puts needles under their eyes forcing them to watch.

Theres some pretty good camera shots and while the kills aren't the best they are still good. The main protagonist is a cop which was interesting as often Giallo films tend to focus more on a general civilian who gets involved accidentally e.g. witnesses something and ends up having to work it out, with usually the cops shown as useless.

While I prefer having someone without experience it was a nice change and you also feel for the cop. He's disturbed about what he sees and wants to get out. As the film progresses it also threatens to effect his own personal life which adds to his fears.

There's quite a few sub plots and I suppose red herrings. Some where interesting but I feel some felt a bit forced and I think it would have been better if they where a little bit tighter. Don't get me wrong Giallo films are known for this, giving us stuff that seems relevent but isn't but I felt this film kept throwing too many plots.

If you like the genre though it's a decent one. As I mentioned I've seen people calling it a bit generic and I do kind of agree but I think it does enough to make it stand on it's own 2 feet. Interestingly it also stars 3 bond girls

[classichorrorfan]

I saw that one a while back. It's not the best, but still a good one. The main character is very understandable and well developed. I also like the twists and turns on making it look like the killer is one guy, then another, to keep interest throughout the whole film. I also got a kick out of where the cocaine was hidden.