• Have you ever watch a movie and was so amazed by it that you had to watch it over and over again? This was a life changing movie for me because it introduced me into a genre I had never knew existed.

For me it was this movie:

What Have You Done to Solange? is a 1972 Giallo film directed by Massimo Dallamano. I watched it for the first time about seven years ago and I had no idea what I was about to get into.

What is a Giallo film? Well for those that are not familiarized with the term it is a niche of Italian made movies that combine horror and eroticism traits into one awesome film! Added elements to make a Giallo film extra special is the haunting soundtracks that such composers as Goblin, Ennio Morricone, Fabio Frizzi, Riz Ortolani (to name a few) are synonymous to this genre. The Giallo genre also turned leading actresses such as Edwige Fenech, Jane Berkin, Barbara Bouchet, Jessica Harper, and Ania Pieroni into a cult status icons. I kind relate this genre to an adult version of Scobby Doo but in movie form with live actors and actresses. Trying to solve a mystery within a certain time frame and having chaos ensue with trying to figure what is going on.

Being the researcher personality that I am after I watched “What Have You Done to Solange?” It made me curious in wanting to know more about this particular genre. So I researched and was able to find books and more movies that broaden my horizon into this small genre. From there I learned about such directors as Mario Bava, Dario Argento, Umberto Lenzi, and Pupi Avati (just to name a few) who were able to make such strong and visually stunning impression in this category with their movies that when you  watch them you knew you were going to see something memorable.

The reason why I am such a fan of this genre is the visual stunning cinematography, the gorgeous backdrops (it makes me want to visit Italy so badly!), the beautiful people in it and the mystery elements to the plots. Even the movie titles such as “The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh” or “The Iguana with the Tongue of Fire” catch your attention and makes you curious in wanting to either watch it or at least find out more about it. I watched nothing but Giallos for the next couple of months after I saw my first one and if I was ever asked by my friends what was the last movie I saw I would say something like “Death Walks on High Heels” with a smirk….Which would leave my friends with a puzzled look on their faces.

If I had to pick a top five from this genre it would probably be:

-Suspiria

-What Have you Done to Solange?

-The Girl Who Knew Too Much

– The House With The Laughing Windows

-Bay of Blood and A Lizard in a Women’s Skin

 

 

Until Next Time!

 

 

ps… Giallos for life!