A young woman, Sylvia (Mimsy Farmer) experiences strange occurrences which could be the result of childhood trauma. Then again, they might not.
The Perfume of the Lady in Black obeys logic about as much as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, a copy of which belongs to the film's protagonist. For much of the time director Francesco Barilli employs an avant-garde approach to his tale of mental illness, with Sylvia (and the viewer) unsure as to what is real and what is imaginary (a la Roman Polanski's Repulsion, which was surely an influence on this film). But there are other scenes that suggest more sinister and very real goings on: friends and acquaintances of the young woman are shown gathering secretly in deserted buildings and donning ceremonial grey garb, the film culminating with the cult engaging in a frenzied cannibalistic feast.
Although I didn't really understand the majority of the film, I did have a reasonably good time thanks to its offbeat atmosphere, unusual characters, impressive visuals (love that opening shot - very Hitchcockian), and a winning performance from peroxide blonde* star Farmer. The convoluted title suggests a giallo style murder mystery, but the reality is a surreal study of a woman teetering on the edge of sanity. Approach with an open mind and you might very well enjoy the film, even if you don't fully comprehend it.
6.5/10, rounded up to 7 for IMDb.
*A couple of moments of full frontal nudity show that the carpet doesn't match the curtains.
The Perfume of the Lady in Black obeys logic about as much as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, a copy of which belongs to the film's protagonist. For much of the time director Francesco Barilli employs an avant-garde approach to his tale of mental illness, with Sylvia (and the viewer) unsure as to what is real and what is imaginary (a la Roman Polanski's Repulsion, which was surely an influence on this film). But there are other scenes that suggest more sinister and very real goings on: friends and acquaintances of the young woman are shown gathering secretly in deserted buildings and donning ceremonial grey garb, the film culminating with the cult engaging in a frenzied cannibalistic feast.
Although I didn't really understand the majority of the film, I did have a reasonably good time thanks to its offbeat atmosphere, unusual characters, impressive visuals (love that opening shot - very Hitchcockian), and a winning performance from peroxide blonde* star Farmer. The convoluted title suggests a giallo style murder mystery, but the reality is a surreal study of a woman teetering on the edge of sanity. Approach with an open mind and you might very well enjoy the film, even if you don't fully comprehend it.
6.5/10, rounded up to 7 for IMDb.
*A couple of moments of full frontal nudity show that the carpet doesn't match the curtains.