'Puzzle' is an intriguing and mesmerizing Italian Giallo thriller flick with an engaging plot, stylish production and a well- crafted mystery that keeps you guessing throughout. The movie has enough of the genre elements within' its storytelling, although some fans may be disappointed by the lack of sleaze and over the top death scenes, but personally I enjoyed it for what it is a well-made suspenseful thriller.
The plot follows Ted (Luc Merenda) who suffers from amnesia after a car accident 8 months previous. But when someone from his past tries to murder him, he survives the attack and gets a note informing him that he has a wife in Italy named Sara (Senta Berger) and travels there to meet her in order to regain his memory, but when he arrives danger is lurking around every corner.
The movie is a well-round Giallo mystery that doesn't rely heavily on extreme violence and flashy visuals to tell a compelling story and instead focuses on interesting characters and the mystery of Ted's past to draw you into its twisted world as things start to slowly throughout and heads towards a thrilling climax which makes everything worth it in the end. The direction and visual flair by Duccio Tessari are top notch as he provides the movie with a hazy dreamlike quality and an intense slow building pace.
The acting and characters in this flick are incredibly strong with Luc Merenda providing an outstanding performance in a challenging role as Ted following his struggle with remembering his past. Senta Berger provides an enthralling performance as Sara, Umberto Orsini also provides a strong and interesting character as the movie progresses, Bruno Corazzari adds enough menace and creepiness to his role and Anita Strindberg pops up in a small but pivotal role and its always a pleasure to see her in just about anything.
Overall 'Puzzle' is an entertaining flick with a surreal narrative and a rather fresh take on the genre, especially by the mid 70's standards.
The plot follows Ted (Luc Merenda) who suffers from amnesia after a car accident 8 months previous. But when someone from his past tries to murder him, he survives the attack and gets a note informing him that he has a wife in Italy named Sara (Senta Berger) and travels there to meet her in order to regain his memory, but when he arrives danger is lurking around every corner.
The movie is a well-round Giallo mystery that doesn't rely heavily on extreme violence and flashy visuals to tell a compelling story and instead focuses on interesting characters and the mystery of Ted's past to draw you into its twisted world as things start to slowly throughout and heads towards a thrilling climax which makes everything worth it in the end. The direction and visual flair by Duccio Tessari are top notch as he provides the movie with a hazy dreamlike quality and an intense slow building pace.
The acting and characters in this flick are incredibly strong with Luc Merenda providing an outstanding performance in a challenging role as Ted following his struggle with remembering his past. Senta Berger provides an enthralling performance as Sara, Umberto Orsini also provides a strong and interesting character as the movie progresses, Bruno Corazzari adds enough menace and creepiness to his role and Anita Strindberg pops up in a small but pivotal role and its always a pleasure to see her in just about anything.
Overall 'Puzzle' is an entertaining flick with a surreal narrative and a rather fresh take on the genre, especially by the mid 70's standards.