Movies-TV

Typical Argento - Beautiful, Brutal, Absolutely Compelling

As always, Argento's film is unlike anything you've seen. Hard to stomach sometimes but equally hard to take your eyes off it. Fantastic use of camera, music and muted color palette.

Closer in style to Argento's early films and yet stylistically far bolder.

One of the hardest Dario movies to figure out...but WORTH it

I have watched this movie about ten times and each time I come away with a different perspective of this film. Many may not like it, but just like Hitchcock, not all his movies are for all his fans.

WARNING: ARGENTO, ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL

This film lacks all the elements that make Argento's movies great and fun to watch. There's no memorable music; no fantastic use of color; and no likeable characters. The holes in the plot are unforgiveable and the story-line is infantile. The plot twists are predictable and almost laughable. This is simply a sorry excuse for an Argento film. I just hope that He'll make-up for it on his next project.

Fantastic visuals

Dario Argento really knows how to bombard the viewer's senses with insane violence that seems almost sureal. The plot is good, but becomes cluttered and unbelievable towards the end. Still, a great film that should be admired for it's style, not necessarily it's storyline.

You will be freaked

This is one of the best Argento Movies ever. The music though simple stays with you. There are few plot holes unlike most Agrento Moives. The ending is a definite twist! I hope Troma releases the UNCUT version of Stendhal Syndrome because there really is no place to cut the movie without losing some of the impact and Plot points

A MASTERPIECE! Brilliant and disturbing.1 of Argento's Best!

Italian "Master of Horror",Dario Argento brings us one of his most frightening and realistic films to date. Argento's own daughter, the very beautiful Asia Argento gives an amazing and very chilling performance as a policewoman working with the Anti-Rape league in Rome,Italy.While tracking down a serial rapist in an art museum she succumbs to an illness known as the "Stendhal Syndrome", an actual affliction named after one of the first reported cases. The illnes causes certain people to become emerced in and hallucinate when in the presents of works of art. After fainting from such an experience, Anna(Asia Argento) is attacked by the rapist she was on the trail of in an extremely unnerving scene,which may be too much for some viewers. The film then takes a drastic change from Dario Argento's early works, which mainly focused on the search for a serial killer knocking off victims one by one. Instead this movie focuses on the victim of a horrible crime and how it dramatically alters and overwelms every aspect of their lives from then on. As the suprises and shocks hit you one after the other Argento showers the screen with some amazing vsual effects and the breathtaking scenery of his beloved Italy. The director apparently took this film as an opportunity to showcase and show-off Italy's proud and wonderous art history (and who could blame him?). Great works of art whirl by you in such a way that you may even experience a case of the Stendhal Syndrome yourself. A beautiful and dark modern "film noir" with an enchanting score by the legendary Ennio Morricone, Stendhal Syndome is truly a one of a kind film exprience from a great director who proves he still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Asia Argento SHOULD have won an Academy Award for her outstanding performance. She is without a doubt one of the best young actress working today.

Vastly underrated

It still astonishes me how often this film seems to get slated. From the first time I saw it, I have always rated it among Argento's best. A popular train of current thought seems to welcome Nohosonno as return to form since his last major triumph, OPERA. Apart from the fact that I think these two films are often overrated (they are still great films), this does a grave injustice to Stendhal. But then again, I also quite like Phantom of the Opera, must be the Asia factor! (rightly acknowledged by most as one of Argento's weaker efforts; however, given his pedigree, this is not as bad as it would for most).

The Troma release is unusual in that the voluminous extras tend to clash with the main feature. You can easily ignore these if they are not to your taste. I bought the special edition of Smow White (largely due to the Suspiria connection), and have still to watch any of the 7 hours (or whatever) of bonus materials.

The picture quality does seem quite washed out, but having not seen the French DVD or any projected version, I don't know how much of this is directorial intent. It fits quite nicely to the atmosphere of the film / Morricone's music.

I hope this film earns greater recognition as the years progress. It may also come to be seen to as the prologue to the new trinity of giallo that Argento is working on. His new film, I seem to remember reading somewhere, also involves Asia playing a policewoman.

SERIOUS TROMASONE DAMAGE

Despite an incredible opening 20 minutes, THE STENDHAL SYNDROME
soon meanders into tedium and never manages to recover. Although initially disappointing Argento titles such as TRAUMA, for example, have blossomed with the passage of time, this film seems particularly resistant to reappraisal. Certain elements work extremely well, with Thomas Kretschman's forceful performance, Morricone's repetitive score and Asia Argento's hypnotic visit to the Uffizi Gallery being the major assets. Unfortunately, the film soon abandons it's one truly original idea - the "Stendhal Syndrome" itself - and heads in a more mundane killer vs. police direction. Of course, Argento tries to spice this up with abherrent psychology, grotesque sadism and narrative trickery, but the end result never approaches the high standard set by classics such DEEP RED or TENEBRAE. Scenes between Anna (Asia) and the police psychiatrist are interminably boring, whilst the less said about the unconvincing family relationships and romantic scenes, the better. Although this is my least favourite Argento film, it certainly didn't deserve the humiliation of being released by Troma! Lloyd Kaufmann's inane, ill-informed introduction claims the DVD contains the digitally re-mastered director's cut. What this actually means is a BADLY transferred version of the TRUNCATED export print. Compared to the luminous image quality of the French DVD, the Troma disc's muddy, washed out colours are extremely unimpressive. The largely irrelevant extras and promos for idiotic junk only add to the bargain basement atmosphere. If you're an Argento completist, wait for a more definitive release - shelling out for this contemptible mess from Troma would be murder.

Argento outdoes himself

Argento fans know that his best work was done in the 70's and early 80's. Among hardcore fans, a common complaint about even the best of his films has been the repetetive story lines. "The Stendhal Syndrome" should silence these criticisms.

The psychological intricacies of the plot would be enough to put "Stendhal" above the majority of Argento's recent work; though there's plenty of gore, the film works on more than just a visceral level. At its heart, this is a brutally honest film about rape and its effects on its victims. Argento refuses to compromise and even toys with the viewer who may expect the typical Argento ending, throwing in an unexpected yet thoroughly logical twist.

Asia Argento's performance as Anna is brilliant; she is tough, independent, tentative, frightened - she is the most complete character in any Argento film.

"The Stendhal Syndrome" should be seen several times. Argento's images are stunning - the fantasy scene by the waterfall is worth the price of the DVD alone. Repeated viewings also reveal insghts about the Anna character you may miss the first time around.

This is truly a benchmark work from the master of the genre.

an unappreciated psycho-thriller

I have read so many reviews {mostly on other websites} saying that Dario Argento's films in the 90s are all disappointing compared to his past masterpieces. I totally disagree. I think Argento has yet to lose his touch.It's just after so many great horror/thriller/mystery movies, you tend to keep comparing all his movies to his earlier masterpieces. Even though The Stendahl Syndrome is not as great as Suspiria, Deep Red, Phenomena, etc., it's still alot better then the majority of thrillers out nowadays.
I will not get into the plot and story line because there are plenty of other reviews to go to for that. I just want to go into why I love this film. First off the story and plot {that I just chose to ignore in this review} is pretty original but still has common elements of other Argento films. Second, the scenes where Asia "falls" or "walks" into art are great and I wish there was more scenes like that. The rape and torture scenes are kinda hard to watch but they are not over the top {atleast not by Argento standards} and halfway through Asia gets to turn the tables for a bit. The movie switches between 2 or 3 different overall feels. At first, it's got paranoia and horror with Asia having constant encounters with the villian but then it changes to a more calm and healing feel and then switches back to fear before the last scenes fall into place.
The only things that really bothered me was Asia has a cop, she didn't quite bring in the feel that she was one. And this film has alot of similar elements to Argento's earlier film Tenebre. Either way I highly suggest this film to fans of psychologic thrillers but this is not a good film to experience Dario Argento for the first time if you have yet to witness any of his great early work.

Stendhal Syndrome, The... (1996) d: Argento, Dario

Stendhal Syndrome was a film that I picked up a couple issues back and was going to review then, but when I went to watch it, I found no disc inside the keep case. You wouldn't believe the looks you get when you take a DVD back to the store with no disc inside. I've heard stories that many of the Troma Team commentaries are recorded when they are drunk. I sometimes wonder about the packaging department as well? After re-ordering again through HMV, it finally arrives. Luckily I managed to see it play on Bravo in the meantime. Thanks to the fine people at Troma, we can now see the film as Argento intended us to see it. There are not too many companies that would have the balls to touch it! After his disappointing last film Trauma (1992) this film was a much unexpected surprise. Famous composer Ennio Morricone works again with Argento, for the first time since the early 1970's. The special effects by longtime helper Sergio Stivaletti are amazing. One memorable scene includes Asia Argento [the director's daughter who is best known for a role in Abel Ferrar's New Rose Hotel (1998)], playing a killer chasing police detective (Anna Manni) who literally falls into the painting "The Fall of Icarus" by Breugel. Thus the title of the film Stendhal Syndrome "...a psychological reaction to artwork that makes the viewer fall unconscious, vulnerable to the terror she is tracking..." Another amazing scene, includes a computer effect [one of the first used in an Italian film] that follows a bullet passing through a woman's check, through her mouth and out the other side in graphic detail. The extreme violence directed towards the female characters in this movie is very hard to stomach. Even more disturbing is the fact that a brutal almost un-watchable rape scene in the Stendhal Syndrome was directed by the actresses own father. Weird. As always, this Troma disc comes jam packed with extras including: an interview with Argento, and for some reason they have also added a bit by Ruggero Deodato remembering Cannibal Holocaust (1979).

Some good, some bad

The five stars I give this DVD are for the film itself, not it's presentation which needs to be improved greatly. The grainy, flickery image presented by Troma is a big disappointment. Hopefully Anchor Bay or Image will get ahold of this film in the future and give it a cleaner digital transfer. The film itself is quite good, a mysterious departure from the Argento of old, although it has elements of both Deep Red and Tenebre. The extras provided are quite funny, the Troma Intelligence Test is an absolute hoot as is the Tour of Troma's home base. It's worth it all in all, but just remember that the picture quality is not the best. If you want to see Stendahl Syndrome, this is your only bet for now.

Stendhal Syndrome is not Just About Gore and Violence

It seems I'm the only female reviewing this film so I'll tell you what this film is about, since it revolves around rape and sexual abuse.

In all seriousness, this film is NOT a highly "visual" treat like Dario's other spectacles. This film is about how rape and violence against women can change their entire world.

If you take care to pay attention to details, the truth is evident. Asia, playing Anna, is SUPERB in her role, and shows great flexibility. The only complaint is that they dubbed her voice.

The movie is basically about how it is to live in a man's world. Like I said, the details. Anna is oppressed not just by the rapes but by men, in general. (And another thing, not many understand this part either, but the psychiatrist was not exactly who you thought he was either.)

My sister saw this film and understood it perfectly. But men look at it and all they say is "where's the gore and special effects."

One of Argento's best efforts as of late

The Stendhal Syndrome is an excellent piece. Well written and directed, alot can be said about the performance of his gorgeous daughter. The film has an interesting story line and a shock ending, a bit sluggish, but worth the wait. The film should be seen for Asia Argento alone. If you liked OPERA or TRAUMA, both films I thought were top notch, you will most certainly like this shocking piece by Italy's best suspense director.

Very underrated, but not perfect

Make no mistake, this really is a cruel film, and more emotionally involving than usually is the case with a Dario Argento film. It is "giallo" in style, however the plot points more to a psychological study, both of victim and of the psycho himself. Almost universally panned on it's release, it's a film that grows on you from each viewing. There are quite a few rapescenes in here that are truly harrowing, and they are to be commended for showing how degrading and brutal a rape can be. Also on the bonus side are some ravishing scenes from the Uffici-gallery, a nice (though not top) Morriconescore and an interesting character study from Kretschmann as the psycho. Asias performance is more of a mixed bag. Gritty and determined, yet vulnerable and on the verge of a nervous breakdown, she is sometimes impressive. However, she seldom convinces entirely, especially at being masculin. Other minuspoints are also: slow middlesection (the therapy sessions really go on forever), some embarrassing performances (could be the dubbing) and a few akward plot-turns. But judge for yourself!

Really, really bad

Argento used to be one of Italy's best film makers, unfortunately with "Trauma", this and "Phantom of the Opera" it looks as if the old boy has completely lost it. This film holds none of the magic and mystery of his other films and is competely lacking in style. Asia Argento is very pretty but totally unbelievable in the part of the policewoman. She is years to young and whoever decided on her for the part must have been blind. There are moments in this film where I'm sure I must of blushed in embarassment for Argento the acting is so incredibly BAD. Unfortunately the film is completely lacking in style as well and Argento seems to have become interested in CGI and treats us to some of the most pointless CGI visuals I have ever seen. My advice is give this film a wide berth... but then it's all a matter of taste and Argento fans will have to see it... Just make sure you rent before buying

Very Bad transfer...

The DVD Transfer of this movie is an absolute fiasco, and I am surprised there isn't more noise about it in the reviews. Very close to unwatchable...and I have an ugly feeling the hideously unprofessional and cheezy Troma studios is will be doing more "transfers" of Argento's work. It truly looks as if Troma "studios" ran a bad copy of a VHS tape on a television set, pointed a camcorder at the screen and then made a transfer from that tape. Disgusting. How's the movie? Who knows...you can barely see it. If Troma gets its hands on the great "Suspiria" there is no God.

Argento's thriller starts well, but then turns predictable.

The first half of Dario Argento's hypnotic thriller is on a par with some of his early giallo classics, but then it slips a notch, becoming a rather routine slasher/revenge movie that borrows heavily from Ms. 45 and Psycho. The viewer is forced to wait for the film to ackowledge what the genre savy will, no doubt, already know in its remaining hour. The ending is atypically gentle for an Argento outing, perhaps he's getting mellow in his old age. Ennio Morricone's score is suitably chilling, the soundtrack is worth seeking out.

Still better than any American Thrillers I've seen this year

Dario Argento has somehow escaped the american audience for over 30 years, that is until this recent wave of affordable well distributed re-releases. Stendahl Syndrome is more akin to his "Deep Red", "Bird With Crystal Plumage" and "Tenebre" than say "Suspiria", "Inferno" or "Phenomena". In that it is a fantasy based crime thriller as opposed to a supernatural/occult horror. Starring Dario's beautiful daughter Asia Argento who plays a police officer on the trail of a serial rapist when the tables are turned and she becomes the rapist's latest victim (while any scene involving such violence towards women is certainly disturbing, the film is however nowhere near as brutal as the critics claim). On top of all this Asia's character also suffers from a rare disorder in which great artwork causes powerful hallucinations and blackouts to the viewer. This is apparently known as the Stendahl Syndrome. While not as brillant as most of Dario's work it is far better then his recent adaptation of "Phantom of the Opera" or his other film starring Asia "Trauma".

Film-three stars, DVD presentation-one, Total = two stars

Detective Anni Manni suffers from two things, she can't look at some works of art without fainting into an unconscious fantasy, and there is a homicidal, rapist-killer toying with her. After being brutalized by the madman and having her emotions and memory jumbled, she returns home to try and piece her fragile self back together. Stendhal Syndrome is haphazard mess, struggling to work, yet ultimately failing. Dario Argento presents a bleak film, negative because it lacks the Argento flourish, the stylized touch that made him famous. Aside from the occasional shot here and there, the film is outright flat, brutal, and clumsy. Truly, it is only the outright brutality that makes it interesting. Without that ugly touch to prod at and thicken the skin of the viewer, it is just a dud.

What this film reminded me of, in terms of a director slightly shifting in style, was Hitchcock's Frenzy. With Frenzy, Hitchcock directed more violent scenes, nudity, and stronger elements in general, and it is the same with Dario and the overt cruelties in present in Stendhal Syndrome. Gone are the expressionistic tones and otherworldliness that made his violence slick and dreamlike. Instead, Stendhal is just a mean debacle, bookended by a flawed beginning and end, but a good, entertaining middle.

The DVD itself is unforgivable. Troma delayed this for quite sometime, witch would lead one to believe they were taking great care with the film. It is perfectly obvious that they probably delayed the DVD only because of all the self-gratifying promos tacked onto it. The transfer is hideous, barely better than video, washed out color, grainy, and horrible contrast. The extra interviews (two with Dario, one with Sergio Stivaletti, and one, for some reason, with Ruggero Deodato?) are done on bad video with bad microphones, and cameramen, who neither know how to sit still, frame, or focus very well. There is a third interview with Dario that is quite good, fine sound and thank god, a cameraman who uses a tripod. If Troma is going to acquire more serious titles by genre filmmakers, they should treat the material with some respect and not do such an inexcusable hack job.