#12 SUSPIRIA - Horror Countown to Halloween

#12 – SUSPIRIA (1977)

Dir. Dario Argento

Surreal horror isn't common. One certainly doesn't hear the term everyday and we here at Dark of the Matinee have yet to really explore this sub-genre on our podcast. However, the films of the once great Dario Argento fit right into surreal horror. In fact, I don't think you could look at the film in any other way or try to watch the film expecting a sense of realism. Argento is a master of horror but his style of horror is not like the other masters we have pointed out.

Suspiria's plot is just the spine onto which Argento places these elaborately staged kill scenes. Suzy is a ballerina who arrives late one night to a fancy, stiff ballet academy. Darren Aronofsky borrowed liberally from Suspiria for his Black Swan.  When she arrives, she sees a young girl leaving in a panic, yelling about something. That girl end up dead the next morning. Her kill scene is one of the film's many highlights. Argento mixes striking lighting and bold camera moves to create a jaw-dropping scene of terror as the girl plummets to her death through a stained glass window. From there, Suzy begins to tap into something supernatural at the academy. What she discovers are secrets involving a witch. The plot is hardly why you watch Suspiria so don't go looking for something too complex.

Where the film really soars and what makes it earn such a high place on our list is the film's style. Often referred to as Giallo horror, Suspiria is the most stylish film on our list. Bright colors invade every frame creating this unusual world that only exists in this movie. The effect that has is a sense of unease throughout the film. Suspiria has it's scary moments but largely there is a feeling from the film that is far harder to shake than any of the actual scares.


Overall I can't prepare you for the film and I certainly think its best to go in to any film without expectations. I will say this however, expect a horror film that isn't like others you have seen before. Let the film's style engulf you and revel in its frightfully beautiful images.



written by Matthew G. Robinson