Inferno is the second instalment in Dario's Three Mothers trilogy, which focuses on a triumvirate of ancient witches who conspire to unleash evil and misery upon the world. Inferno deals with Mater Tenebrarum, alias The Mother of Darkness, who lurks in a New York City apartment building. After the surprising international success of Suspiria, Argento was able to get his next film funded by 20th Century Fox, with a budget of about $3 million, fairly modest for this type of film. Inferno is full of lush visuals, beautiful lighting (it really makes a difference) and striking cinematography. Although not as delirious as in other films, Argento's camera still moves and there are one or two breathtaking sequences (particularly the Irene Miracle underwater room sequence). The film was not a commercial success, suffering from poor distribution, but critics were favourable to it. That had to be some consolation to Argento, who was so debilitated by a case of hepitatis during filming that he had to direct some scenes while lying down. Other scenes were completed by a second unit crew, often featuring the late, great Mario Bava.
