I finally saw "THE BIRD WITH THE CRYTAL PLUMAGE" for the first time and I have to say that it's pretty good. The only thing I can fault Dario Argento's first movie is the overall familiarity of this type of movie. In 1969, there weren't that many of these type of sexy thrillers and Bird must have looked (even more) dazzling and original then. But today, stylish sex thrillers are a dime a dozen, thanks mostly to the success of the wretched (and unstylish) Basic Instinct, which obviously was "inspired" by the plethora of sexy, often lurid, disturbing and sleazy giallo films made in Italy in the 1970s. But one can't fault Bird and other giallos for spawning the whole (and now) boring genre.
I really enjoyed the fact of who the killer is. Dario plays with the audiences' assumptions throughout the movie, in the way it's filmed and with the P.O.V. shots. Because of this clever direction, the ending must have seemed really weird, disturbing back in 1969. Again, these shocking endings have become trite today but I'm certain the ending was a major factor for the worldwide success of the film. It's played intelligently and because of this, the whole integrity of the movie remains intact, even after all these years.
The film is not without its faults. It drags somewhat in the middle and the "explanation" ending is a tad trite but the film has many memorable moments too, like when Sam goes to the painter and his cats or the antique shop. The later is a funny scene, refreshingly played with genuine playfulness, mainly towards actor Tony Musante's overt hunkiness. Susan Kendall looks amazing, with her blonde hair and big eyes. Kendall and Musante make a great couple. In fact, the whole film is really good looking, even after all these years. This thanks mostly to cinematographer Vittorio Storaro's truly stunning camera work.
"THE BIRD WITH THE CRYTAL PLUMAGE" is an enjoyable thriller. And I agree with the one who wrote that it's probably Dario's most balanced movie ever. And Ennio Morricone's typically unusual music is excellent. The DVD has the soundtrack as a bonus, which is great. But the image of the VCI DVD is not the best quality. The image is seriously grainy. I wish they'd release a new DVD with a better transfer.
I really enjoyed the fact of who the killer is. Dario plays with the audiences' assumptions throughout the movie, in the way it's filmed and with the P.O.V. shots. Because of this clever direction, the ending must have seemed really weird, disturbing back in 1969. Again, these shocking endings have become trite today but I'm certain the ending was a major factor for the worldwide success of the film. It's played intelligently and because of this, the whole integrity of the movie remains intact, even after all these years.
The film is not without its faults. It drags somewhat in the middle and the "explanation" ending is a tad trite but the film has many memorable moments too, like when Sam goes to the painter and his cats or the antique shop. The later is a funny scene, refreshingly played with genuine playfulness, mainly towards actor Tony Musante's overt hunkiness. Susan Kendall looks amazing, with her blonde hair and big eyes. Kendall and Musante make a great couple. In fact, the whole film is really good looking, even after all these years. This thanks mostly to cinematographer Vittorio Storaro's truly stunning camera work.
"THE BIRD WITH THE CRYTAL PLUMAGE" is an enjoyable thriller. And I agree with the one who wrote that it's probably Dario's most balanced movie ever. And Ennio Morricone's typically unusual music is excellent. The DVD has the soundtrack as a bonus, which is great. But the image of the VCI DVD is not the best quality. The image is seriously grainy. I wish they'd release a new DVD with a better transfer.