Opera

There’s an element of Phantom of the Opera in Dario Argento’s 1987 horror film about an understudy who takes the leading role in a production of Verdi’s opera Macbeth, but the inspiration does not go far. A mysterious killer repeatedly abducts young soprano Betty (Cristina Marsillach) to make her watch as he murders everyone who is close to her (he tapes needles under her eyes to prevent her from blinking). Opera director Marco (Ian Charleson) concocts a plan to flush out the black-gloved murderer. Opera belongs to the distinctly Italian horror genre known as giallo and features many of the hallmarks: voyeurism, sadistic violence, numerous shots from the killer’s point of view, and stylized set pieces that turn murder into performance art. Argento is less concerned with plot logic and character consistency than in creating lush images and an atmosphere of unease, and his showy camerawork includes a raven’s point of view as it circles and swoops over the audience in the opera house. The musical score mixes extensive selections from the opera (performed by Maria Callas) with electronic music from Brian Eno and Claudio Simonetti, as well as hard rock songs. Argento claims this production to be his personal favorite, but it’s very melodramatic and the plot turns on frankly ridiculous twists (the sexual politics are also disturbing, at best). Still, for genre fans this is a minor classic of memorable baroque Italian horror. Extras include new interviews with Argento and costar William McNamara. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)