Watch Death Smiles on a Murderer

Death Smiles on a Murderer, released in 1973, is an Italian horror film directed by Francesco Barilli. The movie is set in an eerie and isolated castle, located in the mountains of Austria. The movie, which is shot in a gothic style, is notably similar to the Hammer Horror films that dominated the genre around that era. The story follows a young woman named Greta (Ewa Aulin), who decides to visit her brother Franz (Luciano Rossi) in a remote castle where he has been living with his lover, Sophia (Angela Bo). Unfortunately for the three of them, Franz is killed, and his body becomes possessed by a malevolent spirit. The undead Franz can now control the bodies of those around him, leading to a series of gruesome murders in the castle.

Klaus Kinski plays Dr. Sturges, a researcher who had experimented on Franz's body at a nearby research facility. Dr. Sturges arrives at the castle to investigate, and he begins to suspect that Greta is the key to the supernatural events unfolding in the castle. Giacomo Rossi Stuart portrays Greta's former lover, Alexander, who also arrives at the castle seeking answers about the mysterious happenings.

The film is an atmospheric production that delivers plenty of suspense and horror. It is also a film that has all the hallmarks of an Italian horror flick of the 1970s. It is stylish, eerie, and violent, with a plot that is both surreal and supernatural. The characterizations are well-rounded, and the actors are competent enough to keep the story moving.

One of the most notable aspects of the movie is its cinematography. The filmmaker makes great use of the gothic architecture of the castle and its surrounding landscapes. The impressive camera work helps to create a creepy atmosphere for the film. The use of lighting, colors, and sound all conspire to create an unsettling ambiance that lasts the entire duration of the movie.

The costume design is also commendable, with the female characters adorned in gothic attire that adds to the eerie atmosphere of the film. The outfits are intricate and stylish, a feature that is a characteristic of Italian films. This feature helps to give the film a unique theme.

The use of practical effects is also noteworthy. The filmmakers employed prosthetics and realistic-looking dismemberment scenes that make the movie gruesome but not overly gory. The effects add to the realism of the film and contribute significantly to the overall horror theme.

All in all, Death Smiles on a Murderer is an excellent movie for fans of horror films. It has all the ingredients of a good horror film and delivers some frightening and suspenseful moments. It is an atmospheric and eerie production that stays with you long after the credits roll. The performances, directing, and cinematography are all top-notch, making this a must-watch for fans of Italian horror.

Death Smiles on a Murderer is a 1973 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.