Watch A Lizard in a Woman's Skin

A Lizard in a Woman's Skin is a psychological thriller directed by Lucio Fulci and released in 1971. The movie follows the story of Carol Hammond, a wealthy young woman living in London, whose dreams become filled with images of her neighbor, Julia Durer, being brutally murdered. As it turns out, Julia is in fact murdered and Carol becomes the prime suspect in the investigation.

Florinda Bolkan plays the role of Carol Hammond, a young woman who is initially portrayed as being conservative, refined and uptight. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that her character is much more complex than meets the eye. Bolkan delivers a superb performance, transitioning from a demure and innocent victim to a scheming, ruthless mastermind seamlessly. She portrays the character's descent into madness convincingly and manages to keep the audience guessing about her true motives until the very end.

Stanley Baker plays Inspector Corvin, the chief investigator in the case who is determined to uncover the truth behind Julia's murder. Baker delivers a convincing performance as a seasoned detective who is cautious but persistent in his investigation. He is responsible for most of the movie's suspenseful moments as he tirelessly works to uncover the truth behind the murder and Carol's involvement in it.

Jean Sorel plays the character of Frank Hammond, Carol's husband. Sorel is convincing as a playboy and a socialite and portrays the character's coldness and detachment from his wife well. Their marriage is anything but stable, and the tension between the two characters adds to the movie's overall feeling of unease.

The movie's plot is intricate and multi-layered, leaving the audience guessing until the very end. The murder investigation is not the only thread in the story, we also see Carol struggling with her identity and sexuality. The movie explores themes such as repressed desires, identity, and personal freedom. The imagery in the movie is vivid, surreal and psychedelic, adding to the sense of confusion and disorientation.

The movie's soundtrack by Ennio Morricone is a highlight of the film, with its eerie and hypnotic soundscape adding to the overall sense of unease. The score is a contrast to the bright and colorful visuals, adding a layer of complexity to the movie's atmosphere.

The movie's violence and nudity were controversial at the time of the movie's release. Some scenes were too graphic for censors, and the movie was banned in some countries. However, the violence is not gratuitous and is used to highlight the movie's central themes of lust and desire.

In conclusion, A Lizard in a Woman's Skin is a gripping, psychological thriller that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The performances by Florinda Bolkan, Stanley Baker, and Jean Sorel are excellent, and the movie's plot is multi-layered, exploring themes of repressed desires and identity. The movie's psychedelic imagery and haunting soundtrack add to the overall sense of unease, making the movie a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.