La casa dalle finestre che ridono (1976)

User Rating:

7.1/10   

Director:

Pupi Avati

Writers:

Antonio Avati (screenplay)
Antonio Avati (story)

Release Date:

16 August 1976 (Italy)

Genre:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Plot:

Stefano, a young restorer is commissioned to save a fresco representing the suffering of St. Sebastiano...

Plot Keywords:

Suffering | Painter | Italy | Awakening | Blood Sacrifice

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Lino Capolicchio	...	Stefano
Francesca Marciano	...	Francesca
Gianni Cavina	...	Coppola
Giulio Pizzirani	...	Antonio Mazza
Bob Tonelli	...	Mayor Solmi
Vanna Busoni	...	Teacher
Pietro Brambilla	...	Lidio
Ferdinando Orlandi	...	Police Marshall
Andrea Matteuzzi	...	Poppi
Ines Ciaschetti	...	Concierge
Pina Borione	...	Paraplegic Woman
Flavia Giorgi	...	Poppi's Wife
Arrigo Lucchini	...	Grocer
Carla Astolfi	...	Chambermaid at Boarding House
Luciano Bianchi	...	Franchini the Librarian

Also Known As:

House with the Windows That Laugh
The House of the Laughing Windows (USA) (DVD title)
The House with Laughing Windows (USA) (DVD box title)

Runtime:

110 min

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Italy:VM14 | France:-12 | Singapore:NC-16

Filming Locations:

Cento, Ferrara, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Company:

A.M.A. Film

Nightmarish and original - a Giallo masterpiece!

I'm a massive fan of Giallo, but it has to be said that a lot of Giallo's are rather similar to one another and while there are a few exceptions, there isn't a massive amount of diversity in the genre; especially not when it comes to the lesser films. The House With the Windows That Laugh features the trademark wacky title, but other than that; this really isn't anything like any other Giallo out there, which will certainly divide opinions; but for me, this is also one of the best of the genre. The film is directed by Pupi Avati, a cult director most famous for his slow burning horror films with a nightmarish climax. The plot focuses on a man named Stefano, who is sent to a church to restore a fresco representing the suffering of St. Sebastiano, the last painting by an artist named Legnani; a mentally disturbed man whose every painting represented someone in agony. The painting intrigues Stefano, as do a number of events surrounding his time with it, and he begins to investigate...but it's an investigation that turns into a nightmare as he discovers the horrible truth behind the painting...

The main reason why this film works is down to the atmosphere. There isn't a great deal of action, which is bound to isolate some viewers; but Avati keeps the foreboding atmosphere bubbling over, which ensures that the film is always interesting. The plot is highly original, and I don't believe I've ever seen another film with the same themes featured as this film. The opening sequence, which features a man being tortured in a sepia montage, will give you something of an idea of what to expect; though I doubt anyone will guess how the tale will end, and that cant even be said of the some of the best Giallo's. Quite how writers Pupa and Antonio Avati came up with it is anyone's guess, but I'm certainly pleased that they did! The film does touch on a few other Giallo trademarks; there are a couple of murders and some red herrings thrown in, but it's not until the film finally reveals itself at the end that the bleak nightmare comes to the forefront; and it's certainly a climax worth waiting for! Overall, The House with the Windows That Laugh is an ingenious piece of cinema and one of the best Giallo's ever made!