Watch Stage Fright

Stage Fright is a 1987 Italian horror film helmed by Michele Soavi. The plot of the movie revolves around a group of theater actors who are preparing for their upcoming musical, "The Night Owl." Unexpectedly, a man suffering from a serious injury appears in their rehearsal space and warns them about an escaped serial killer on the loose. Soon, the actors find themselves trapped inside the theater with the killer on the prowl.

David Brandon plays Peter, the married director of "The Night Owl" production. Barbara Cupisti portrays Alicia, the lead female actor in the musical. Domenico Fiore plays Brett, a technician for the theater. The film also features other notable actors, including Giovanni Lombardo Radice and Loredana Parrella.

The movie's opening sequence takes place in a psychiatric hospital, where a patient named Irving Wallace manages to escape. He is shown to be heavily bandaged and wielding a large pair of scissors. The film then cuts to the rehearsal space of the theater where Peter and his actors are busy preparing for "The Night Owl." Throughout the movie, it becomes apparent that the musical is inspired by the events that transpire within the theater.

As the night progresses, the actors begin to hear strange noises and see various unsettling things. Soon enough, the killer makes his appearance and starts to target the actors one by one. The theater itself becomes a character in the movie, as various rooms and passages become key settings for the story.

One aspect of the movie that stands out is Soavi's use of the camera. He employs various tracking shots and zooms that give the movie a unique aesthetic. In addition, the movie features several memorable death scenes, each one as creative and gruesome as the last.

Besides its horror elements, the movie also explores the relationships between the various characters. There are several instances of romantic tension and character conflicts that add depth to the story. Through these dynamics, the movie manages to humanize the characters and make the audience more invested in their fates.

Another noteworthy aspect is the film's soundtrack, which was composed by Simon Boswell. Boswell's score is a mix of electronic beats and orchestral arrangements that perfectly capture the movie's frantic and suspenseful tone.

Overall, Stage Fright is a thrilling and chilling horror movie that stands out for its inventive storytelling and impressive technical elements. It combines elements of classic slasher films with the backstage drama of musical theater to create a unique and memorable experience for audiences.

Stage Fright is a 1987 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.