Tag: mario adorf

The Bird With the Crystal Plumage

The Bird With the Crystal Plumage is a 1970 movie directed by Dario Argento.

WHAT HAPPENS?

An American witnesses a murder in Rome before becoming a target of the killer.

ONE LINE REVIEW

The Bird With the Crystal Plumage is a stylish Giallo thriller that features fun acting and quirky characters.

THE ACTORS

Tony Musante plays Sam, an American novelist who performs an amateur investigation into a series of murders. Despite threats on his life – along with his girlfriend – Musante’s character remains affable and obsessed with solving the mystery, exhibiting an odd calm throughout.

Suzy Kendall’s Julia is excellent as Sam’s girlfriend – who is pulled deeper into danger as the mystery evolves. In many respects, we view terror through Kendall’s expressive eyes – as Musante’s character leads the killer to Suzy. Perhaps the movie’s best – and most tense – scene occurs as Kendall’s Suzy is trapped in her apartment as the killer tries to enter.

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Fernando Di Leo’s Milieu Trilogy

Caliber 9 (1972), The Italian Connection (1972) and Il Boss (1973) are movies directed by Fernando Di Leo.

WHAT HAPPENS?

Caliber 9 tells the story of Ugo, a former gangster who is forced back into the criminal life. The Italian Connection follows Luca, a pimp who is framed for stealing a shipment of heroin. Il Boss is the story of Lanzetta, a hitman who finds himself in the middle of warring Mafia families.

ONE LINE (Actually, TWO Lines) REVIEW

The highlight of Fernando di Leo’s trilogy is Caliber 9 – a terrific, hard-boiled crime movie. The Italian Connection is a clunky mess, while Il Boss is long-winded but features the best action of the three.

THE ACTORS

Gastone Moschin plays Ugo Piazza with a hardened, but zen-like quality. Ugo doesn’t say much but his words matter. The strength of the character lies both in his blunt physical prowess and acceptance of his unfortunate situation. He’s squeezed between the Mafia and police but doesn’t make excuses. Moschin’s choice as a lead actor is intriguing – his jagged, scarred face would suggest otherwise, but he gives a uniquely effective lead actor performance.

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