5. Suspiria (1977)
Many fans of Giallo/Italian horror movies debate over whether Profondo Rosso or Suspiria is the best Dario Argento movie. Both are very different from each other - Profondo Rosso has more Giallo-esque elements, whereas Suspiria is more of a supernatural horror movie. The plot concerns the malefic deeds and machinations of a coven of witches who reside in a prestigious European dance academy. We experience the movie through the perspective of Suzy Bannion, a new arrival who must endure all sorts of supernatural shenanigans until she gets to the root of the problem. The film is famous for its superb Goblin scored soundtrack and its creepy set pieces - particularly the scary protracted opening sequence in which two girls are brutally murdered. This is a wonderful piece of horror cinema with Argento exploiting the use of colour to create nightmarish fear as well as a liberal dollop of gore. Not as brain engrossing as Profondo Rosso, Suspiria is nevertheless highly enjoyable as a piece of Italian horror cinema. Argento makes everyday objects look sinister in the film but also strangely beautiful. I cannot see mainstream horror fans enjoying the film. Whenever I think of my friends who like horror, I think this film would go completely over their heads as it does not conform to mainstream horror blueprints. It is a law onto itself, highly stylised and arty as well as uniquely Italian. Best appreciated by those receptive to Italian horror cinema, those who will "get it".