When I finished watching this film I went over to the Monster List to see if anyone had reviewed it before. What I found was a film called Stage Fright that had been reviewed by me! For a moment I thought I had rewatched a film that I already saw and reviewed and wondered why I had no memory of it, especially since I liked it. Alas, different film altogether, whew, I didn’t waste an hour and a half for nothing. This film is directed by Michele Soavi (The Church, Cemetery Man) one of my favorite Italian directors. It takes place inside a small theater where a group of actors are rehearsing for a show that is scheduled to open in a few days. The director is driving the troupe hard and decides to lock everyone in until they get it right. Alice, one of the leads in the play has sprained her ankle. She sneaks off to a nearby hospital to get a quick treatment so she can continue to rehearse. The director catches her and is furious so he has another actress hide the key so they cannot get out. Unbeknownst to Alice, a psychopathic killer followed her back from the hospital and he is now locked in with them. He proceeds to artfully off them one at a time.
As I sat back thoroughly enjoying this film I came to the realization that Italian giallo’s are totally my cup of tea. I watched several of them a couple of Horrorthon’s back and skipped over them last year. I really missed them. StageFright has all the ingredients that make a giallo fun, the close up shots, the screaming beauty queens, the suave gentlemen wearing great stylish gloves and plenty of gore, tastefully done of course. Even the ‘80’s electronic music track was perfect for the film. I guess I’m just a sucker for a good Argento, Soavi, Fulci or Bava film. My Italian Mother should be so proud that I’m getting back to our roots. Ciao!
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