4. Soundtracks
Think of Ruggero Deodato's Cannibal Holocaust and one of the things that will spring to mind is its beautiful lush, evocative score by Riz Ortolani which seems to be a plea for humanity not to be so cruel. The genius Italian composer, Riz Ortolani, is responsible for putting a touch of real class on many Italian Gialli, exploitation and horror films. He is most famous for 'More' - the lead song in Mondo Cane which was a huge hit and even got nominated for an Oscar. Ortolani's work on Africa Addio lends some balance to the horrific scenes in the film and it makes the most of a sweeping African landscape. On an entirely different note, Ortolani scored House on the Edge of the Park with a funky disco lead track which was just perfect for the gritty, urban surroundings. Fabio Frizzi is another composer who worked in the realms of Italian horror/exploitation back in the day. He is primarily known for his collaborations with Lucio Fulci and his scores are vital in making Fulci's films succeed. Frizzi did the scores for The Beyond, City of the Living Dead, Manhattan Baby and Cat in the Brain. However, Frizzi's best work was on Zombie Flesh Eaters. The synth score at the beginning is simple and scary, and leaves the viewer in no doubt that very bad things will happen in this movie. It just creates so much atmosphere! And one of the cleverest uses of the main score was to set it to when the Conquistador zombies come to life. It just fits it perfectly. Honourable mentions must go to Bruno Nicolai - a tremendous musical talent who provided the score to Your Vice is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key. Ennio Morricone was known to score Giallo movies. His beautiful theme to What Have You Done to Solange? is up there in the top five Giallo soundtracks of all time. And of course I have to mention Goblin and their work with Dario Argento which is instrumental in setting the tone for Argento's work. I particularly like Suspiria and Profondo Rosso.