This weekend was the second of the new Monthly Screenings from GRIMM UP NORTH, Tom Bielby was in attendance, here are his thoughts…
It was with great anticipation that I ventured to the Manchester Dancehouse for the first of Grimm Up North’s monthly double screenings as from the films on show I knew I was going to be in for a gory but highly enjoyable night and it certainly didn’t disappoint. From the moment I arrived, the Grimm team did a great job of welcoming everyone and it was clear that they are all as passionate about horror films as me. The venue was the perfect environment for the selection of films, with the charms of the slightly dated theatre decor adding to the feel of the evening, and a well stocked bar keeping everyone refreshed throughout.
Four flies on Grey Velvet
Following an insightful introduction by the event organisers we were treated to a digitally restored version of an early Dario Argento film ‘Four Flies in Grey Velvet’ that was previously unavailable in the UK and as such it was the first time I have ever seen it. Famed for his work on Giallo horrors, a sub-genre of Italian thrillers that became popular in the 1970s, Argento was one of the key directors behind a number of cult classics that are amongst the best in the genre, and it is great to see one of his lesser known films given the restoration it deserves.
Originally released back n 1971, Four Flies follows a rock musician who is stalked by a mysterious killer that blackmails him after witnessing a murder and it is not long before those around the drummer begin to be killed off in bizarre and inventive ways. As with the majority of Giallos there is a camp charm that resonates throughout the film, with elements of humour, intentional and unintentional, contrasting perfectly with the more cinematic moments that are enhanced by the exceptional Morricone soundtrack. It is a testament to Argento’s skill as a director that he can successfully combine elements of farce and horror with an assuredness that translates well to the big screen, and I found myself on the edge of my seat throughout as well as laughing along with the rest of the audience to the hilarious scenes that were just as unexpected as the shocks.
I cannot recommend this film highly enough, it is an early Argento classic that does not receive the attention it deserves and fans of the cult director who are yet to see this should definitely look into getting hold of the Blu-ray now that it has been released by Shameless Screen Entertainment. Apart from a few contrived plot points, it was tricky to find anything wrong with this film, and it was the perfect way to start off a night of Italian horror. Four Flies on Grey Velvet is a definite must see for Italian horror enthusiasts.
FRC Rating
Cemetery Man
Following a short refreshment break and the opportunity to win some great goodies in the raffle we were introduced to the second and final film of the evening, Michele Soavi’s Dellamorte Dellamore, which is heavily influenced by the hugely successful Italian series of Dylan Dog comics. Having previously seen Dellamorte Dellamore (or Cemetery Man as it is also known and is much easier to say) I was looking forward to watching it on the big screen, the wry humour and black comedy seemed to be the perfect closer for a horror double bill, especially one that is fuelled by alcohol!
Starring Rupert Everett in what is quite possibly the strangest role in his career, Cemetery Man follows the exploits of a graveyard guardian who is charged with keeping the dead in check after they come back to life seven days after dying. Along with his useless assistant Gnaghi, Francesco Dellamorte is constantly assaulted by the living dead and longs to meet a female companion to rescue him from his pitiful existence.
On first viewing of the film I was not completely sure what to make of it, I love strange and bizarre films but Cemetery Man seemed too be a little to weird even for my tastes. I enjoyed it enough that I was happy to watch it again though and I was glad I did, watching such a film with a receptive audience can really liven up the more entertaining scenes and the hilarious moments were met with outbursts of infectious laughter that enhanced the overall experience.
Once again, the only criticism I can level at the film is a minor issue, with the storyline lacking direction in places, although this does add to the surrealism of the picture and didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the film. I can see why Cemetery Man has a cult following, I have never seen anything quite like it and I can only hope that it continues to improve with each viewing.
Dellamorte Dellamore will be getting a UK release on 27th February, also through Shameless Screen Entertainment, and would be a great addition to any dvd collection.
FRC Rating
I had a fantastic night at the first of Grimm up North’s horror double bills and will be eagerly awaiting their next event that takes place on Friday 17th February, a Samurai Splatter double bill featuring Shogun Assassin and Baby Cart to Hades. For those interested in attending you can find out more information and purchase your tickets over at the Grimm website for the bargain price of £6.50, and it is guaranteed to be another fantastic night.
Are you a fan of cult Italian horror films, or does too much gore leave you hiding behind your popcorn? Let me know your thoughts below…
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14 comments
January 30, 2012 at 9:43 am (UTC 0)
I love both these films. Although I don’t think 4 FLIES is one of Argento’s best works, nothing beats the soundtracks from 70′s Italian films, and well Mimsy Farmer is unforgettable in it. and DELLAMORTE is just so uniquely weird, I love the twisted romance between Gnaghi and the mayor’s daughter, and the ending is just amazing.
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January 30, 2012 at 1:32 pm (UTC 0)
Glad to see some love for these cult classics. I agree that the music in 70′s Italian films is usually always amazing. Morricone especially can turn the most mundane scenes into amazing moments with his epic scores.
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January 30, 2012 at 1:16 pm (UTC 0)
Oh, I remember falling asleep a few times while watching that Dylan Dog film, even though I like Rupert and Dylan was extremely popular in my country which has a long tradition of reading and loving comics.
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January 30, 2012 at 1:36 pm (UTC 0)
Hi Dez, it is worth persevering with Cemetery Man, I wasn’t too enamoured with it on first viewing but it definitely has its charms and I enjoyed it far more the second time round.
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January 30, 2012 at 6:09 pm (UTC 0)
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Dario Argento film, but then again I’m not into horror. You’re right it’s a bit odd to see Rupert in a role like in Cemetary Man. He’s great in more comedic roles like in My Ideal Husband as he’s just so witty.
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January 31, 2012 at 8:47 am (UTC 0)
I agree Ruth, it was a strange choice but he fits the bill perfectly, sometimes its the leftfield decisions that tend to create the best results.
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January 31, 2012 at 10:16 am (UTC 0)
Sounds like you had a great time matey.
Looking for pictures for the post i pretty much decided i would be too much of a big girls blouse to handle these flicks… thanks for attending and providing us with great coverage
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February 1, 2012 at 8:43 am (UTC 0)
No problem Scott, I reckon you would have coped with these, more suspenseful than straight horror but they both still have their moments.
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February 1, 2012 at 10:26 am (UTC 0)
Haven’t seen either but have been trying to get into the whole Argento craze. Unfortunately getting his movies in India can be difficult. Anyhow, great coverage of the event. Did you win any goodies? Cheers!
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February 1, 2012 at 1:05 pm (UTC 0)
Thanks for your comment Raghav, no goodies for me unfortunately, there’s always next time though!
It is frustrating when great films are unavailable in certain areas, hope you manage to get hold of some Argento films.
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February 2, 2012 at 6:49 am (UTC 0)
YES,I’m a fan of Italian Giallo since I watched Dario Agento’s DEEP RED and 2 others,the soundtrack of DEEP RED is killer.Four flies on Grey Velvet is a fav of my friend,I will definitely check it out someday.
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February 2, 2012 at 8:47 am (UTC 0)
Thanks for your comment David, Deep Red is another one of my favourite Argento films, hope you enjoy Four Flies!
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February 11, 2012 at 4:08 pm (UTC 0)
Nice write-up, sounds like a fun event. I must check out that Argento. Great to see double-bill film events becoming popular again… we have a regular Frighten Brighton event here that shows 2-3 classic and cult horror flicks back to back.
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February 17, 2012 at 1:33 pm (UTC 0)
Thanks for the comment Ant, it was a great event. Nothing beats going to a screening where you know it will be full of like minded people!
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