Opera:
Director: Dario Argento
Year: 1987
Rated: R
Genre: Crime, Horror, Mystery
Length: 1 hour 47 minutes
Country of Origin: Italy
Language: Italian, English, German
Streaming on: Amazon Prime, Tubi, Mubi, BFI, Vudu
Summarizing the Film
Next on Day 17 of 31 Days of Horror Movie Challenge: Argento Orrori, takes us to a darker, Phantom of the Opera tale with 1987’s Opera. Young soprano Betty, stepping into the lead role of Verdi’s ‘Macbeth’ after an unfortunate accident, becomes the target of a psychopathic killer. The film uses Gothic horror influences, reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe and The Phantom of the Opera, into a captivating giallo mystery that explores the darkest realms of fear.
The Artistry of Fear
Opera showcases Argento’s mastery in crafting fear through operatic themes and visuals. The film’s narrative intricately merges with elements from the world of opera, utilizing elaborate set pieces and visual motifs to create a visually stunning and unique horror experience. Argento’s innovative camera techniques come to the forefront, featuring intricate tracking shots and point-of-view sequences that intensify the film’s immersive and suspenseful quality. The narrative structure intentionally embraces fragmentation, adding to the film’s dreamlike and disorienting atmosphere.
Pushing Narrative Boundaries
Opera further solidifies Argento’s reputation for visual grandiosity in horror filmmaking. Its operatic themes and visually striking sequences not only influenced Italian horror but also contributed to the broader perception of horror as an art form while pushing narrative boundaries.
Argento’s Operatic Triumph
Opera is a must-watch for Day 17 of 31 Days of Horror Movie Challenge: Argento Orrori.With its gothic allure, intense violence, and the unparalleled artistry of Argento, the film delivers a visceral impact with shocking scenes, notably the heroine being forced to watch gruesome murders. The juxtaposition of eyeball violence with voyeurism ensures that Opera remains an Operatic Triumph.