Watch The House with Laughing Windows

The House with Laughing Windows is a 1976 Italian horror film directed by Pupi Avati. The movie is set in a small remote village in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The plot of the movie revolves around a young painter named Stefano (Lino Capolicchio) who is commissioned to restore an old church mural in the village. As he begins working on the mural, he discovers a dark and disturbing history of the village's past.

The village is known for its famous painter, Legnani, who had created a series of murals for the church. However, his work was considered so gruesome that the villagers had it covered with plaster. Legnani's paintings featured grotesque and violent scenes of torture, murder, and sexual abuse. Stefano becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Legnani's work and the history of the village.

As he digs deeper into the village's past, Stefano becomes increasingly disturbed by the strange and violent behavior of the villagers. He also meets a beautiful woman, Francesca (Francesca Marciano), who seems to be the only person in the village who is not afraid of the gruesome murals.

Stefano's investigation leads him to uncover a series of horrific crimes committed by a group of villagers who were inspired by Legnani's paintings. The crimes include murder, incest, and necrophilia. Stefano's discovery puts him in grave danger as the villagers are determined to keep their dark secrets buried.

The House with Laughing Windows is a masterful piece of gothic horror. The film is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography that captures the eerie beauty of the Italian countryside. The atmosphere of the movie is haunting and oppressive, drawing the viewer deep into the twisted history of the village.

Lino Capolicchio delivers a powerful performance as Stefano, capturing the artist's growing obsession and descent into madness. Francesca Marciano is also excellent as the enigmatic Francesca, who provides a glimpse of hope in a world that seems to be entirely consumed by darkness.

The film's use of sound is also worth noting. The score, composed by Amedeo Minghi, is haunting and evocative, adding to the movie's oppressive atmosphere. Avati also uses natural sounds, such as the wind and rain, to great effect, creating an eerie and unsettling ambiance that lingers in the mind long after the movie is over.

Overall, The House with Laughing Windows is a masterpiece of Italian horror cinema. It is a beautifully crafted, atmospheric, and deeply disturbing film that will leave a lasting impression on even the most jaded horror fans. If you're a fan of classic horror movies, this one is not to be missed.