Suspiria (1977)

Argento's masterpiece of horror, with its assault of garish colors, booming soundtrack and horrifically dreamlike set pieces, is the cinematic equivalent of an exceptionally scary fun house. It tells the story of Susan (Harper) a young, impressionable American who travels abroad in order to study at a prestigious European ballet academy. From the first day, however, she begins to realize that frightening things are afoot at the hallowed institution. Enduring a rain of maggots, poisoned food and other unpleasant occurrences, she discovers that the school is a secret convening place for an ages-old witches' coven. Cut to various lengths due to violent content, the film's original full running time is 100 minutes.

Inspired by Thomas De Quincey's 'Suspiria de Profundis' and co-written by Argento and his long-term

More Plot Descriptions

View 17 Photos

Related Movies: Inferno (1980) [sequel] Suspiria (2005) [remake] Terza madre, La (2007) [sequel]

Discussion forum for this movie

Thread Replies Last Post There are no discussion threads for this movie yet... Start a new discussion about this movie.

External Reviews

Suspiria truly goes beyond the limits of many supernatural tales. Dario Argento put together a visual masterpiece, something that every horror fan should view at least once. Every scene, filled with rich, vibrant color, is truly mesmerizing. ... This film is one of those truly rare films that can really amaze the viewer with visuals and style over plot.

Dario Argento and his people have turned a banal story into a visual marvel that works as a precursor to Kubrick's Shining--similar stark colors, but more pronounced. 

--Jack Witzig (ColdSpot)

---

A loud and creepy rock score by Italian band Goblin, exquisite cinematography, garish sets, taut editing and gratuitous gore make what would otherwise be a dull film more than watchable.

-- (eSplatter.com)

---

Directed by

Dario Argento Deep Red, Tenebre, Sleepless

Written by

Dario Argento Once Upon a Time in the West, Demons, Demons 2 Daria Nicolodi Deep Red, Phenomena, Tenebre

Cast

Udo Kier Blade, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Dogville Joan Bennett Father of the Bride, We're No Angels, Little Women Jessica Harper Stardust Memories, Phantom of the Paradise, My Favorite Year Stefania Casini 1900, The Belly of an Architect, Blood for Dracula Flavio Bucci Caterina in the Big City, Marchese del Grillo, Il, Dario Argento's World of Horror Miguel Bosé Queen Margot, High Heels, Bushwhacked Barbara Magnolfi Inferno in diretta, Sorella di Ursula, La [more]

Music By

Dario Argento Once Upon a Time in the West, Dawn of the Dead, Deep Red Agostino Marangolo Dawn of the Dead, Sleepless, Beyond the Darkness Massimo Morante Dawn of the Dead, Sleepless, Dario Argento's World of Horror Fabio Pignatelli Dawn of the Dead, Deep Red, Sleepless Claudio Simonetti Dawn of the Dead, Deep Red, Opera

The whole time, a beautifully dark score by the German rock band Goblin plays.  -- (Bloody-Disgusting.com)