Much feted as the prototype giallo, if not the first of the genre, this is certainly a striking and then original piece of work. Viewed today, it almost appears as an homage or satire of gialli, as so many of the tropes that those who love the films will recognise are present here. The opening is stunning, never mind a death during a thunderstorm before we are even into the story, there is a fantastic and very creepy, wonderfully lit sequence on the famous Spanish Steps in Rome. Dark shadows, light reflected in pools - of blood or water - and we are away. Half naked girl strewn across the path and a knife in and out a body which is then unceremoniously dragged away. The film is uneven and although the lovely Leticia Roman and (a very young) John Saxon do well there are short periods when all is not quite so great. Plenty more brilliantly lit and varied scenes to come though before the surprising denouement. Thank you Mario Bava, maybe not the greatest giallo but you opened the door.
Review of The Evil Eye
