MovieChat Forums > Suspiria (1977) Discussion > It could have been so much better.

It could have been so much better.

posted 9 years ago by mrpinbert
4 replies | jump to latest

The plot is "okay". What wowed me are the spectacular and breathtaking cinematography and set design. The acting is passable with a noteworthy performance from Jessica Harper who plays the lead.

A mayor problem I had with the film is the bad voice dubbing.
There are occasions where the dialogue is barely audible.

I was also mixed on the score, sometimes it works wonderfully but often it is incredibly jarring and annoying.

Also the scene where Sara, Suzy's friend, gets killed was ridiculous. I mean she could have easily prevented the killer from entering the room. But instead she stacks boxes on top of each other to climb out of a window, and instead of looking down first she jumps straight into a bail of barbwire. I know some people will say that it's "dream logic" but this movie flips the logic on a dime. That scene was pure lazy writing.

I mean the sets and cinematography are surreal and dreamlike for sure. But throughout the film the character Sara acted like rational person, until the plot required her to act stupid.

The flaws of this film sadden me because had these been adjusted "Suspiria" could have been a true horror masterpiece. Still it is in many aspects a great film that can be strongly recommended to anyone that is curious. 7.8/10

If you save the world, We can do it in the *beep*
My top 100 http://www.imdb.com/li

[–] DreTam2000 9 years ago

I agree with almost everything you said.

The film could have been a lot better, despite the fact that it does so much so well. And you're right that the story was intriguing enough. There just could have been more. I'm even willing to forgive some of the wooden acting, although I feel that the protagonist's roommate had moments of acting/monologue that should have been a bit more dramatic or emotionally conveyed.

You pretty-much nailed everything I've thought about regarding this film, though. What it's really good for, is film enthusiasts and students who want inspiration on how to repeat a similarly effective formula. As a film study, this is a perfect Horror film, of what to do as well as not to do.

At least the contrasts between the two scholars she seeks advice from towards the end of the film were intriguing, in that the two men had opposing views regarding science versus magic. This provided an extra layer of dimension that the narrative benefited from. Too bad the plot or lack thereof makes it an unbalanced experience overall.

I'm not a control freak, I just like things my way

[–] mrpinbert 9 years ago

Yeah you are right. Throughout the movie I was thinking "I wonder how I could make a film that is similar, yet doesn't share the flaws" its a great film for filmmakers to learn how a great film can be hampered by poor decisions in post-production.

Have you heard that Argento is acting as producer on a remake? I think remaking this film might actually be a good idea.

If you save the world, We can do it in the *beep*
My top 100 http://www.imdb.com/li

[–] ElectricWarlock 9 years ago

7.8/10 is still a pretty good score. I give it a 10/10. It's one of my favorites.

[–] movie_nazi 8 years ago

What about the stabbing heart scene where the heart is right underneath the skin and no rib cage in sight.

Also the killer ties a the rope around her waste but yet it ends up around her neck.

There were a couple of illogical moments but if you really wanna pull your hair out watch the Fulci Gates of Hell trilogy. Those are rediculous.

Suspiria (1977) - 6 outta 10 stars

My Vote history: http://www.imdb.com/user/ur1914996/ratings