Opera (1987)

A young opperata is stalked by a deranged fan bent on killing the people associated with her to claim her for himself.

Director:

Dario Argento

Writers:

Dario Argento (story), Franco Ferrini (story)

Stars:

Cristina Marsillach, Ian Charleson, Urbano Barberini

5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Cristina Marsillach	...	Betty
Ian Charleson	...	Marco
Urbano Barberini	...	Inspector Alan Santini
Daria Nicolodi	...	Mira
Coralina Cataldi-Tassoni	...	Giulia
Antonella Vitale	...	Marion
William McNamara	...	Stefano
Barbara Cupisti	...	Signora Albertini
Antonino Iuorio	...	Baddini (as Antonio Juorio)
Carola Stagnaro	...	Alma's mother
Francesca Cassola	...	Alma
Maurizio Garrone	...	Maurizio, the raven trainer
Cristina Giachino	...	Maria, the assistant director
György Gyõriványi	...	Miro
Bjorn Hammer	...	Cop #1

Storyline

A young opera singer (Betty) gets her big chance when the previous star of a production of Verdi's Macbeth is run over by a car. Convinced the opera is bad luck she accepts, and becomes the target (in Argento's unmistakable style) of a psychopath - a man she has been dreaming of since childhood.

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Plot Keywords:

giallo | psycho killer | peep hole | italian cinema | voyeur | 

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Taglines:

A star is born tonight... will she live to see tomorrow?

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Genres:

Crime | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong terror and violence, and for a scene of sensuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the book "Profondo Argento", Dario Argento cited star Cristina Marsillach as the most difficult actress he has ever worked with.

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Goofs

During the shootout in Betty's apartment as the masked killer dives out of the way of a shot, and the camera quickly pans after him, a crew member is visible on the right side of the frame, trying to get out of the way.

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Quotes

Betty: I CAN'T GET OUT! I CAN'T GET OUT! FUCK!

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Alternate Versions

The version prepared by Orion Pictures for an American release in 1988 was edited to 96 minutes, removing the scene of Mara Cecova hurling her glass at the TV, much material involving the little girl next door to Betty, and Betty's final crawl through the grass in the final scene. The U.S. plans were scrapped, and this version was released by RCA/Columbia on Japanese laserdisc and as a bonus on Arrow's two-disc DVD reissue in England.

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Connections

Version of The Phantom of the Opera (1991)

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Soundtracks

Opera
by Claudio Simonetti
By Arrangement with BMG Ariola-Walkman SRL

User Reviews

Perhaps the last of Argento's truly great films.

Although many have mixed feelings about this latter day giallo thriller from Argento, it still stands as another lavish testament to the cinematic brilliance that is Argento.

A young opera singer has her first break out performance and suddenly finds herself the subject of obsession for a crazed maniac.

In a way, Opera is like a modern-day giallo take on Phantom of the Opera blended with all the glorious style and color that one would expect Dario Argento to deliver. Argento makes terrific use of inventive camera techniques, reoccurring symbols (like those ravens!), Gothic atmosphere, and truly gruesome murder sequences. One scene especially (which involves a peep hole and a gun) will knock viewers right out of their seats! Story-wise the film also manages to be gripping with some strong suspense and given great atmosphere by Claudio Simonetti's gorgeous music score.

The cast does some satisfying performances. Cristina Marsillach is good as our leading lady. The late Ian Charleson does a nice turn as the director, as does Urbano Barberini as an investigator, Daria Nicolodi as Marsillach's agent, and William McNamara as Marsillach's ill-fated lover.

Opera is terrific latter day Argento, and perhaps the last of his great works. It's sure to please his fans and even create some new ones.

**** out of ****

Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian English German

Release Date:

19 December 1987 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Opera

Filming Locations:

Incir De Paolis Studios, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

ADC Films, Cecchi Gori Group Tiger Cinematografica, RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min 88 min (edited)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1