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THE HATCHET MURDERS
aka DEEP RED

With David Hemmings, Daria Nicolodi, Gabrielle Lavia, Clara Calamai
Directed by Dario Argento

This is one of my favourite Argento movies, which I prefer under its
Deep Red (Profondo Rosso) title. This is not the best version to get hold of. It is the 98-minute i.s.o. 2-hour cut and not a very good transfer (full screen) - it is also dubbed into English from Italian. David Hemmings is a jazz pianist who starts to investigate a murder he witnessed with the assistance of a reporter. This is the movie that features a subliminal glimpse of the killer early on. Like many of Argento's movies, The Goblins collaborated on the cool soundtrack. Deep Red (The Hatchet Murders) features the classic Argento ingredients of bright red blood, stabbings, hacking and heads through windows - the victims usually women.

3 / C (this version)
4 / B (full un-dubbed version)
- PB

1 2 3 4 5 6
A
- B
- C



DEEP RED (Profondo Rosso)
aka The Hatchet Murders

With David Hemmings, Daria Nicolodi, Gabrielle Lavia, Clara Calamai
Directed by Dario Argento

With his usual style, Dario Argento takes his viewers into the world of the psychotic killer. Hemmings plays Marc Daly, a jazz pianist in Rome who witnesses the murder of a blind clairvoyant who felt the presence of a killer in the audience of her seminar. Before discovering the body, Daly unwittingly witnesses a clue that sharp viewers can pick up if attuned to look out for hints. Together with a plucky reporter, they investigate the murder, that doesn't stop there (it is an Argento film after all! - complete with all the trademarks). Part murder mystery, part slasher, this is one of the more enjoyable offerings form the "Italian Hitchcock".
The Goblins further add to the film's character with their apt score, as they've done with other Argento collaborations like Suspiria. This 120-minute Redemption release is not presented in widescreen format, but at least has the original Italian soundtrack. The DVD release gets the cleaned-up widescreen presentation.

4 / B (this version)
3 / C (shortened dubbed version)
- PB

1 2 3 4 5 6
A - B - C


never let a review decide for you, but for those who need a rating, see the Flamedrop scale below
6 - Volcanic
5 - Blistering
4 - Hot
3 - Smolder
2 - Room Temperature
1 - Fizzled
0 - Extinguished

A: Multi-Viewing Potential

B: Could Enjoy A 2nd Look

C: Once Should Suffice




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