I love a good schlocky film, but personally, I find the entire genre of giallo films a bit lame. They combine mystery suspense thrillers with horror but really do neither justice. That said, there are some that are worth watching for the style or the art direction or the camera work. 'The Evil Eye' (or 'The Girl Who Knew Too Much') has some interesting camerawork and locations in Rome, but leaves much to be desired otherwise. It does, however, hold some cultural significance in being the first giallo and establishing the formula.
The story is about a young woman who travels to look after her ailing relative and witnesses a murder. The police don't believe her, and her love of mystery novels leads her to investigate the murder herself.
In true giallo fashion, there's stylish photography incorporating architecture, multiple murders (albeit little blood) and numerous plot twists (too many for its own good, in my opinion).
The acting is generally bad, although some of the casting choices for the ancillary characters are quite good. The lead actress is quite beautiful but a mediocre actor, and she's one of the better ones. She plays opposite John Saxon, who as always is pretty terrible.
The photography, which incorporates some striking locations in Rome, saves the film from being a total turkey. There are quite a few memorable shots. However, great shots can't save a script that's full of plot holes, loose ends, bad inner monologues, over-explanatory dialogue, and characters you don't really care about.
I'm glad I saw the film, just to better understand the giallo genre, but like the genre itself, 'The Evil Eye' was overly complicated and under-crafted.
The story is about a young woman who travels to look after her ailing relative and witnesses a murder. The police don't believe her, and her love of mystery novels leads her to investigate the murder herself.
In true giallo fashion, there's stylish photography incorporating architecture, multiple murders (albeit little blood) and numerous plot twists (too many for its own good, in my opinion).
The acting is generally bad, although some of the casting choices for the ancillary characters are quite good. The lead actress is quite beautiful but a mediocre actor, and she's one of the better ones. She plays opposite John Saxon, who as always is pretty terrible.
The photography, which incorporates some striking locations in Rome, saves the film from being a total turkey. There are quite a few memorable shots. However, great shots can't save a script that's full of plot holes, loose ends, bad inner monologues, over-explanatory dialogue, and characters you don't really care about.
I'm glad I saw the film, just to better understand the giallo genre, but like the genre itself, 'The Evil Eye' was overly complicated and under-crafted.
Tell Your Friends