The 70s giallo is the obvious precursor to the 80s slasher, and though it's influence is immeasurable, it's still a form of pulp cinema built on formulaic storylines and a low brow, bloodlust sensibility. Deep Red is often considered one of the finest entries in the genre, even though it plays with familiar elements that were well established by it's release. A man witnesses a murder and tries to find the identity of a killer shown only to the audience through black gloves and a shadowy trench coat, while the body count adds up and everybody bleeds bright red paint for some reason. The violence may seem tame by modern standards, but there's still some rather disturbing and creative kill sequences. Dario's artistic camerawork is starting to take shape, but is yet to reach the apex it would in Suspiria.
The thing that sticks out the most to me is the insane score. It marks the first collaboration between Argento and progressive rock band Goblin. At times it's really great, the melodies are both haunting and memorable and it's easy to see their influence on future greats like John Carpenter and Mike Patton. At other times, it's hilariously out of place, like when the protagonist creeps through dark shadows accompanied by funky upbeat 70s rock. It's unexpected to say the least, and though it's certainly a tonal mismatch, it does give the film a quirky charm.
The thing that sticks out the most to me is the insane score. It marks the first collaboration between Argento and progressive rock band Goblin. At times it's really great, the melodies are both haunting and memorable and it's easy to see their influence on future greats like John Carpenter and Mike Patton. At other times, it's hilariously out of place, like when the protagonist creeps through dark shadows accompanied by funky upbeat 70s rock. It's unexpected to say the least, and though it's certainly a tonal mismatch, it does give the film a quirky charm.