Suspiria 1977
7.3 / 10
Suspiria
An American newcomer to a prestigious German ballet academy comes to realize that the school is a front for something sinister amid a series of grisly murders.
An American newcomer to a prestigious German ballet academy comes to realize that the school is a front for something sinister amid a series of grisly murders.
Videos & Photos
All 3 Videos & 93 Photos
cast
Full Cast & Crew
... Suzy Bannion
... Sara
... Daniel
... Mark
... Olga
... Sonia
User reviews
See All 3 Reviews23 Jun 2021 by tmdb17996075
There seems to be a never-ending feud between many horror fans regarding 'Suspiria', due to the fact that this film is considered Dario Argento's outstanding masterpiece. Personally, I'm completely against the idea of praising something that you don't actually like, so I respect anyone who thinks that this movie is overrated or even plain awful. My summary is only an opinion, but by no means I intend to make people change their mind or disapprove their concept of this film. 'Suspiria' is one of the many Italian horror films that came out during the late 70s and early 80s, that is extremely criticized for having a supposedly questionable plot and denouement. If we compare this movie to some of the other popular films directed by Dario Argento, we're probably going to think that 'Suspiria', is perhaps not as intriguing or well developed, when it comes to the story. To give a few examples of some of the Argento films that are widely considered the actual masterpieces because they offer an intriguing plot, good imagery and well done endings, I would probably name 'The Bird with the Crystal Plumage', 'Deep Red' and 'The Cat o' Nine Tails'. So what is it that we should believe? Nothing! Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and even though I agree with those who claim that 'Suspiria' is Argento's real masterpiece, I would never waste my time trying to convince people that this is true. As a matter of fact, I'll be honest and say that I also believe that 'Suspiria' has a somehow underdeveloped story, but I still regard it as one of the best horror movies in history. The reason is simple: in my opinion, you can make something wonderful, without a wonderful plot. This is perhaps one of the most visually enchanting horror movies I have seen so far and I honestly doubt I will ever find another film that can enchant me as much as this one. Everything about 'Suspiria' is beautiful, even the violent deaths. I know this may sound sick and disgusting, but I believe Mr. Argento has the special gift to make beautiful images out of gruesome situations, like murder, for example. From the beginning until the end, this film takes us to a dark dreamland with beautiful contrasting colors, eerie locations and a recurrent unsettling music. The locations are perfect. The ballet school in which the story takes place, seems to be a nonexistent place taken from someone's dream. Indeed, it was revealed once that 'Suspiria' was partly inspired by a dream that Daria Nicolodi once had (Mrs. Nicolodi was the co-writer and Argento's girlfriend at the time). So if the idea was to create a dream-like movie, I would say they did a perfect job. Everything about 'Suspiria' looks surreal and charming. It's a dark fairy tale, in which the characters behave in a childish way, like playing along with the scenario. It is also said that the actresses were initially supposed to be little girls, but fearing that the film could be banned, Argento had to choose older actresses, but he didn't really change much of the dialogs, which I think is genius. Strangely, the characters don't come off as moronic or anything, they simply are strange and childish, but in a good way. The subject of sex, for example, is barely even mentioned, which is something that doesn't happen too often in horror movies with twenty-something year old characters. But regarding the actors who played these characters, I would mostly compliment the work of the late actresses Joan Bennett and Alida Valli. The young cast was simply fine, but no one did a remarkable job. Not even Jessica Harper, who was a bad choice for the lead character, in my opinion. This is probably the only little detail I would criticize about this film. Mrs. Harper pretty much has the same facial expression and tone of voice throughout the entire film, which is not good. On the other hand, like I said before, Mrs. Valli and Mrs. Bennett were flawless as the two bitter old women who run the school with their awful temper and their little psychological tortures against those who stand in their ways. So concluding: 'Suspiria' is one of those films that you either love or hate. Both feelings are equally respectable and I can understand why some people don't really appreciate it. But if I have to recommend or 'sell' this movie to someone, I would definitely highlight the dream-like imagery and the creepy music composed by The Goblins, that go perfectly well with what is seen on the screen. Enjoy this dark fairy tale about witches and childish girls.
Directors:
Genres:
Release Date:
Feb 01, 1977 (Italy)
Run Time:
1hr 39`
MMPA Rating:
R
Original Language:
Italian
Production Countries:
Italy
Status:
Released
Plot Keywords:
Related Movies To
Suspiria
There seems to be a never-ending feud between many horror fans regarding 'Suspiria', due to the fact that this film is considered Dario Argento's outstanding masterpiece. Personally, I'm completely against the idea of praising something that you don't actually like, so I respect anyone who thinks that this movie is overrated or even plain awful. My summary is only an opinion, but by no means I intend to make people change their mind or disapprove their concept of this film. 'Suspiria' is one of the many Italian horror films that came out during the late 70s and early 80s, that is extremely criticized for having a supposedly questionable plot and denouement. If we compare this movie to some of the other popular films directed by Dario Argento, we're probably going to think that 'Suspiria', is perhaps not as intriguing or well developed, when it comes to the story. To give a few examples of some of the Argento films that are widely considered the actual masterpieces because they offer an intriguing plot, good imagery and well done endings, I would probably name 'The Bird with the Crystal Plumage', 'Deep Red' and 'The Cat o' Nine Tails'. So what is it that we should believe? Nothing! Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and even though I agree with those who claim that 'Suspiria' is Argento's real masterpiece, I would never waste my time trying to convince people that this is true. As a matter of fact, I'll be honest and say that I also believe that 'Suspiria' has a somehow underdeveloped story, but I still regard it as one of the best horror movies in history. The reason is simple: in my opinion, you can make something wonderful, without a wonderful plot. This is perhaps one of the most visually enchanting horror movies I have seen so far and I honestly doubt I will ever find another film that can enchant me as much as this one. Everything about 'Suspiria' is beautiful, even the violent deaths. I know this may sound sick and disgusting, but I believe Mr. Argento has the special gift to make beautiful images out of gruesome situations, like murder, for example. From the beginning until the end, this film takes us to a dark dreamland with beautiful contrasting colors, eerie locations and a recurrent unsettling music. The locations are perfect. The ballet school in which the story takes place, seems to be a nonexistent place taken from someone's dream. Indeed, it was revealed once that 'Suspiria' was partly inspired by a dream that Daria Nicolodi once had (Mrs. Nicolodi was the co-writer and Argento's girlfriend at the time). So if the idea was to create a dream-like movie, I would say they did a perfect job. Everything about 'Suspiria' looks surreal and charming. It's a dark fairy tale, in which the characters behave in a childish way, like playing along with the scenario. It is also said that the actresses were initially supposed to be little girls, but fearing that the film could be banned, Argento had to choose older actresses, but he didn't really change much of the dialogs, which I think is genius. Strangely, the characters don't come off as moronic or anything, they simply are strange and childish, but in a good way. The subject of sex, for example, is barely even mentioned, which is something that doesn't happen too often in horror movies with twenty-something year old characters. But regarding the actors who played these characters, I would mostly compliment the work of the late actresses Joan Bennett and Alida Valli. The young cast was simply fine, but no one did a remarkable job. Not even Jessica Harper, who was a bad choice for the lead character, in my opinion. This is probably the only little detail I would criticize about this film. Mrs. Harper pretty much has the same facial expression and tone of voice throughout the entire film, which is not good. On the other hand, like I said before, Mrs. Valli and Mrs. Bennett were flawless as the two bitter old women who run the school with their awful temper and their little psychological tortures against those who stand in their ways. So concluding: 'Suspiria' is one of those films that you either love or hate. Both feelings are equally respectable and I can understand why some people don't really appreciate it. But if I have to recommend or 'sell' this movie to someone, I would definitely highlight the dream-like imagery and the creepy music composed by The Goblins, that go perfectly well with what is seen on the screen. Enjoy this dark fairy tale about witches and childish girls.
If you can, check out the Synapse remaster. Seems to be the only one that gets the colors right, and the little-heard 4.0 English mix is absolute insanity
This is my favourite movie in the world. I love it so much that I have a Suspiria tattoo, it got me into movies - into Italian horror which is one of my favourite things now. This is a masterpiece. Nothing will ever come close to this movie’s cinematography and soundtrack. Many people comment on the ‘style over substance’ aspect of Suspiria (and some of Argento’s other films), but I don’t see it as a flaw. It’s an experience. I don’t care if everything makes 100% perfect sense, when I put Suspiria on I feel transported to another world and that’s the best kind of movie. One that can just take you away from the real world. Suspiria is oddly comforting to me. I guess it’s that taking me away from the world feeling. It feels like a hug which I know isn’t what Argento was going for, but hey, apparently people ran out of theatres screaming in the 70s and I’m just a freak. Would recommend this movie to anyone and everyone. I can’t imagine not liking it. I get that the dubbing and the cinematography or whatever may be a little jarring at first as beautiful it is, but go in with an open mind and let yourself get lost in the beautiful world of Suspiria and I can’t see anyone at least not somewhat liking it. Nothing I could ever say could sum up how much I truly love this movie.
Cast & Crew of
Suspiria
Directors & Credit Writers
... Director
Cast
... Suzy Bannion
... Sara
... Daniel
... Mark
... Olga
... Sonia
... Pat Hingle
... Prof. Milius
... Dr. Frank Mandel
... Miss Tanner
... Madame Blanc
... Teacher (uncredited)
... Albert (uncredited)
... Taxi Driver (uncredited)
... Cook (uncredited)
... Prof. Verdegast (uncredited)
... 2nd Cook (uncredited)
... Pavlos (uncredited)
... Caroline (uncredited)
... Dancer (uncredited)
Produced By
... Producer
... Executive Producer
Videos & Photos of
Suspiria
Videos ( 3)
Photos ( 93 )
Related Movies To
Suspiria
Women's Prison Massacre (1983)
4.6 /10
Emanuelle is framed by a corrupt D.A. while investigating a drug smuggling operation and has to tough it out under lock and key, dealing with a strict warden and abusive guards.
Run Time: 1hr 28` . MMPA: NR . Release: 06 May 1983
Director: Bruno Mattei , Claudio Fragasso
Producer: Bruno Mattei , Jean Lefait , Olivier Gérard
Stars: Laura Gemser , Gabriele Tinti , Ursula Flores , Maria Romano , Antonella Giacomini , Raul Cabrera
Smile (2009)
3.3 /10
A carefree summer vacation turns into an inescapable terror trap for a group of young students who buy a vintage instant camera from a mysterious local shop owner...
Run Time: 1hr 24` . MMPA: NR . Release: 28 Aug 2009
Director: Francesco Gasperoni
Producer:
Stars: Armand Assante , Giorgia Massetti , Harriet MacMasters-Green , Antonio Cupo , Manuela Zanier , Mourad Zaoui
Africa Blood and Guts (1966)
7 /10
A chronicle of the violence that occurred in much of the African continent throughout the 1960s. As many African countries were transitioning from colonial rule to other forms of government, violent political upheavals were frequent. Revolutions in Zanzibar and Kenya in which thousands were killed are shown, the violence not only political; there is also extensive footage of hunters and poachers slaughtering different types of wild animals.
Run Time: 2hr 18` . MMPA: R . Release: 11 Feb 1966
Director: Gualtiero Jacopetti , Franco Prosperi
Producer: Angelo Rizzoli , Stanis Nievo
Stars: Sergio Rossi , Jomo Kenyatta , Gualtiero Jacopetti , Julius Nyerere , Moïse Kapenda Tshombe , Richard Gordon Turnbull
Private House of the SS (1977)
4.2 /10
Top Nazi officials, intent on rooting out traitors and those in the military who may be plotting to overthrow Adolf Hitler, recruit and train a group of beautiful prostitutes whose mission is to use any means necessary to uncover plots against the Fuhrer.
Run Time: 1hr 35` . MMPA: . Release: 20 Jan 1977
Director: Bruno Mattei , Giacinto Bonacquisti
Producer: Eolo Capritti , Oscar Santaniello
Stars: Gabriele Carrara , Marina Daunia , Macha Magall , Vassili Karis , Tamara Triffez , Luce Gregory
Women in Fury (1984)
5.1 /10
The young, pretty and shy Angela Duvall is jailed for murder in some Latin American country. In the prison she gets brutally "initiated" by the other inmates. The nice, honest and handsome prison doctor believe she's innocent and tries to help her out.
Run Time: 1hr 30` . MMPA: . Release: 10 May 1984
Director: Michele Massimo Tarantini
Producer: Chris Rodrigues
Stars: Suzane Carvalho , Rossana Ghessa , Henri Pagnoncelli , Gloria Cristal , Paulo Guarnieri , Zaira Bueno
Shocking Dark (1989)
4.3 /10
In a polluted future Venice researchers work to improve the situation. One day, unknown forces start killing them. A team of soldiers and a couple of civilians is sent to investigate. Soon, they encounter strange murderous creatures.
Run Time: 1hr 30` . MMPA: . Release: 17 Mar 1989
Director: Bruno Mattei
Producer: Franco Gaudenzi
Stars: Christopher Ahrens , Haven Tyler , Mark Steinborn , Fausto Lombardi , Geretta Geretta , Clive Riche
Black Deep Throat (1977)
3.3 /10
A newspaper reporter is in search of information about an exclusive sex cult.
Run Time: 1hr 27` . MMPA: . Release: 17 Feb 1977
Director: Vito Bruschini , Guido Zurli , Mario Bianchi
Producer: Dick Randall , Pelio Quaglia
Stars: Ajita Wilson , Ronald Mardenbro , Patrizia Webley , Agnes Kalpagos , Ivano Staccioli , Giovanni De Angelis
Cannibal World (2004)
3.7 /10
The network where the famous anchorwoman Grace Forsyte works, is collapsing and she would do everything to regain the favour of the audience, therefore she convinces her professional team to go to the Amazon jungle for a sensational scoop about the cannibals
Run Time: 1hr 31` . MMPA: . Release: 16 Mar 2004
Director: Bruno Mattei , Tullio Antiga
Producer:
Stars: Helena Wagner , Claudio Morales , Cindy Jelić Matić , Jimmy Moss , Mike Monty , Antoine Reboul
The Case of the Bloody Iris (1972)
6.4 /10
A high-rise apartment populated by models, nightclub dancers and call girls becomes the focus of a mysterious serial killer. When a young model named Jennifer and her friend Marilyn move into one of the victims' former apartments, Jennifer becomes the next target and the pair try to identify the killer.
Run Time: 1hr 34` . MMPA: . Release: 04 Aug 1972
Director: Vittoria Vigorelli , Michele Massimo Tarantini , Giuliano Carnimeo
Producer: Vittorio Galiano , Luciano Martino , Marcello Romeo
Stars: Edwige Fenech , George Hilton , Paola Quattrini , Giampiero Albertini , Franco Agostini , Oreste Lionello
Necropolis (1970)
5.5 /10
Frankenstein's monster gropes towards the awareness that his mind is a universe; Attila, naked on a white horse, liberates his people from their ignominy; the ultra-caustic Viva bemoans the frustrations of married life and drifts into the elegiac persona of the Bloody Countess Bathory; Louis Waldon is a hip American tourist searching for the (missing) Mona Lisa.
Run Time: 1hr 56` . MMPA: . Release: 31 Oct 1970
Director: Giorgio Monti , Maurizia Scapin , Caroline Laure
Producer: Alan Power , Gianni Barcelloni
Stars: Nicoletta Machiavelli , Tina Aumont , Pierre Clémenti , Paul Jabara , Carmelo Bene , Bruno Corazzari
The Binding (2020)
4.8 /10
While visiting her fiancé's mother in southern Italy, a woman must fight the mysterious and malevolent curse intent on claiming her daughter.
Run Time: 1hr 33` . MMPA: . Release: 02 Oct 2020
Director: Domenico Emanuele de Feudis
Producer: Davide Bertoni , Gennaro Formisano , Nicola Giuliano
Stars: Mía Maestro , Riccardo Scamarcio , Giulia Patrignani , Mariella Lo Sardo , Raffaella D'Avella , Federica Rosellini
Al progredire della notte (2025)
0 /10
Claudia, a 25-year-old with serious insecurities, rents the upper floor of a isolated house. There she meets Letizia, a charming woman who introduces her to metaphony. That innocent game soon turns into a nightmare.
Run Time: 1hr 30` . MMPA: . Release: 21 Jan 2025
Director: Anna Bellini , Davide Montecchi
Producer: Dario Laudati , Leonardo Kurtz , Davide Montecchi
Stars: Lilly Englert , Lucia Vasini , Pier Sandro Fregio , Ioana Laura Jitariuc