Watch The Bird with the Crystal Plumage

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage is a classic Italian giallo film directed by Dario Argento and released in 1970. The film marks Argento's directorial debut and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important giallo films of all time. The movie is based on the novel The Screaming Mimi by Fredric Brown and stars Tony Musante, Suzy Kendall, and Enrico Maria Salerno.

The plot of the movie revolves around an American writer named Sam (Tony Musante), who is living in Rome with his girlfriend Julia (Suzy Kendall). One night, while walking home, Sam witnesses a gruesome murder attempt on a woman inside an art gallery. He tries to intervene but is trapped between two glass doors and unable to free himself. From his position, he watches as the attacker stabs the woman multiple times before running away.

As the only witness to the murder attempt, Sam is soon contacted by the police and asked to provide a description of the attacker. However, he realizes that he cannot remember much about the man's appearance. This realization leads him on a journey to try and piece together the events of that night, and he soon finds himself drawn into a web of deceit, lies, and murder.

The film features several classic giallo tropes and elements. The killer's identity is kept hidden for most of the movie, and there are several red herrings and false leads that keep the audience guessing. The Bird with the Crystal Plumage also features several graphic murder scenes, which were a hallmark of the giallo genre. The visuals of the film are stunning, with vibrant colors and artful camera angles that add to the film's surreal and dreamlike quality.

The performances of the cast are solid, with Musante giving a strong and sympathetic performance as Sam. Suzy Kendall is also notable as Julia, adding a touch of lightness and levity to the otherwise dark and tense film. Enrico Maria Salerno delivers a powerful performance as Inspector Morosini, the police officer leading the investigation.

The soundtrack of the film is also noteworthy, with music composed by Ennio Morricone. The haunting and melodic score adds to the film's suspense and helps to build tension during the murder scenes.

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it helped to establish Dario Argento as one of the leading voices of the giallo genre. The film drew praise for its inventive camera work and its ability to keep the audience guessing until the very end. It has since become a cult classic and a favorite of horror enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.

In conclusion, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage is a classic giallo film that is notable for its stunning visuals, haunting soundtrack, and tense and suspenseful plot. It is a must-see for fans of horror and suspense, and it remains a standout entry in the giallo genre to this day.

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage is a 1970 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.