“Deep Red” is more fantasy than logic. Mystery dyed deep red

Pursuit of pure cinematic expression, strong sense of color

What attracts me most about Argento's work is his "pursuit of pure cinematic expression" that ignores reality. Deep Red II is overflowing with this. Why are there so many creepy paintings hanging in Helga's room? When the protagonist Mark (David Hemmings) is attacked, why does the culprit go out of his way to play a lullaby tape? When Professor Giordani is attacked, why does a clockwork doll appear out of nowhere? There's only one reason: because it's more interesting that way. Because it sticks in the audience's mind that way. That's all!

Apparently, some people around him said, "The story is incoherent, so it would be better to cut it." But Argento stubbornly refused to listen, and prioritized fantasy over logic. My beloved writer, Masayuki Kawakatsu, once said, "Pleasure for the eyes is better than some inconsistency," and Deep Red is filled with pleasure. It's the best.

“Deep Red” © 1974 MEDIASET

Speaking of "pleasure of the eyes," the strong sense of color is also one of the attractions of Argento's work. As if to trace the original title, "Profondo Rosso" (deep red), "Deep Red" is flooded with "red" in every scene. The film begins with a blood-stained knife falling to the floor, and the spiritualist conference hall has bright red curtains. And the vivid blood red of the knife stabbed into the human body. Argento seems to have been quite aware of his unique use of color, leaving the following comment:

Interviewer: What role does color play in the world?

Argento: "Color is the fundamental tool that gives tone and soul to a film." (Quote from an interview with Dario Argento )

The pursuit of pure cinematic expression, the intense sense of color. What more could you ask for from a movie? Moreover, "Deep Red" contains visual tricks that are sure to astound first-time viewers. Let us immerse ourselves in a visual experience that can only be expressed in cinema.

Text: Rui Takeshima

A pop culture writer who wants to be kicked by Hit Girl. Host of the web magazine "POP MASTER".

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"Deep Red 4K Restored Complete Edition"

Distributor: TC Entertainment

Provided by: TC Entertainment/Fieldworks

June 18th (Friday) to July 1st (Thursday) 2-week limited screening at Cinemart Shinjuku and Cinemart Shinsaibashi

© 1974 MEDIASET