Spoilers
The Cat O'Nine Tails is considered by many to be Argento's least characteristic film. I'm inclined to agree with that. But that doesn't mean it's not a good film.
The plot of this movie is different from all of Argento's other outings. Argento toys with genetics and criminology and makes up a murder mystery. The theory that an extra chromosome in males was indicative of a criminal nature was quite the debate in the academic field in the day. Today's scientists think of this theory and laugh out loud, but, as the film touches on, an experiment was made in a prison and it's results showed that an incredible amount of inmates had an extra chromosome. Hence, the extra chromosome indicated a greater possibility of a violent nature. Argento puts this theory to great use and creates an excellent motive for the bad guy in the story.
This film is also Argento's most american looking film, he even manages to put in a car chase. But the fact that this film feels american is not at all that bad. Never before, or after, has Argento allowed two male characters to bond in the way Karl Malden and James Franciscus do here. Their characters actually grow in the process of this film and they're relationship is wholly believable. That is in large part due to the very capable acting of both leads.
Argento's visual style is not strongly detected here. It has a couple of great touches here and there, but mostly it's got that american feel to it visually. That said, it's well photographed and it must be viewed in widescreen, Argento puts the widescreen format to great use as always.
The Cat O'nine Tails is a solid film in every way. It's suspenseful, it's got a decent plot, good acting (many notches above The Bird with the Crystal Plumage), good music score (by Ennio Morricone) and some well orchestrated action sequences. Plus a few great touches from the maestro which would be better realized later.
When you decide to view Argento's films, you should take a look at this one. A bit different but in a good way.
The Cat O'Nine Tails is considered by many to be Argento's least characteristic film. I'm inclined to agree with that. But that doesn't mean it's not a good film.
The plot of this movie is different from all of Argento's other outings. Argento toys with genetics and criminology and makes up a murder mystery. The theory that an extra chromosome in males was indicative of a criminal nature was quite the debate in the academic field in the day. Today's scientists think of this theory and laugh out loud, but, as the film touches on, an experiment was made in a prison and it's results showed that an incredible amount of inmates had an extra chromosome. Hence, the extra chromosome indicated a greater possibility of a violent nature. Argento puts this theory to great use and creates an excellent motive for the bad guy in the story.
This film is also Argento's most american looking film, he even manages to put in a car chase. But the fact that this film feels american is not at all that bad. Never before, or after, has Argento allowed two male characters to bond in the way Karl Malden and James Franciscus do here. Their characters actually grow in the process of this film and they're relationship is wholly believable. That is in large part due to the very capable acting of both leads.
Argento's visual style is not strongly detected here. It has a couple of great touches here and there, but mostly it's got that american feel to it visually. That said, it's well photographed and it must be viewed in widescreen, Argento puts the widescreen format to great use as always.
The Cat O'nine Tails is a solid film in every way. It's suspenseful, it's got a decent plot, good acting (many notches above The Bird with the Crystal Plumage), good music score (by Ennio Morricone) and some well orchestrated action sequences. Plus a few great touches from the maestro which would be better realized later.
When you decide to view Argento's films, you should take a look at this one. A bit different but in a good way.