Crazy Desires of a Murderer (Ratti, 1977)
This month, Fragments of Fear delves into the Crazy Desires of a Murderer with Fillipo Walter Ratti’s Gothic whodunit of the same name. Purportedly from 1977, we look at the film’s ambiguous production date and account for some of the so called dated aspects of the film whilst examining how Crazy Desires slots into the gialli of the 1970s with its heady mix of Gothic and erotic elements. As always, we take a look at the film’s cast and crew, taking a moment to shine a light on some of the lesser known figures of the Italian genre cinema.
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1:03:46
Episode 17 - Deadly Inheritance
Deadly Inheritance (Sindoni, 1968)
Fragments of Fear returns to the sixties to discuss Vittorio Sindoni’s French styled thriller and prototype giallo, Deadly Inheritance. Throughout the episode we explore the placement of Sindoni’s film in relation to the gialli of the 1960s and beyond whilst looking at other key filmic elements from the significance of its rural setting in provincial France to its characterisation and usage of red herrings. We also take a look at the film’s production history, Sindoni as a director and some of the film’s lesser known cast.
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1:05:08
Episode 16 - My Dear Killer
My Dear Killer (1972)
Fragment of Fear’s latest episode focuses on Tonino Valerii’s sole entry in the giallo filone, My Dear Killer (1972). Deviating away from the Argento styled gialli of the time whilst retaining some of its hallmarks, we examine this more realistic take on the Italian giallo and assess the film’s effectiveness in terms of its stark thematic ideas and visual style. We also take a look at the central performance of giallo stalwart, George Hilton and his characterisation of protagonist Luca Peretti; looking at how it compares to his typical roles of the period. Focus is also placed on Valerii as a director and his career outside of his sole foray into the giallo as well as our usual discussions around production history, design and contextualisation.
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1:23:50
Episode 15 - Fashion Crimes
Fashion Crimes (1989)
In the latest episode of Fragments of Fear, we return to the eighties once again to dissect Bruno Gaburro’s 1989 giallo, Fashion Crimes. Perhaps most notable for its leading role from Tenebrae alumni, Anthony Franciosa, we take a look at the actor’s career and assess the effectiveness of his character and the draw his casting has on the film. In our exploration of the film, we look at the film’s thematic ideas that tie back to the golden age of the giallo from fragmented memories and nonsensical crimes to innate psychic abilities. We also assess the film’s failings and missed opportunities, offering our thoughts on ways in which plot could potentially be rectified and improved upon. As always, we take a look at the film’s director, production history and place in the evolution of the Italian giallo.
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59:04
Episode 14 - The Double
The Double (1971)
In the latest episode of Fragments of Fear, we take a moment to mark the tragic passing of Daria Nicolodi; discussing her legacy and contribution to Italian cult cinema before moving on to this month’s discussion of Romolo Guerrieri’s 1971 giallo, The Double. In our examination of this experimental giallo, we explore the film’s literary origins, Guerrieri’s work as a director and the film’s inventive narrative structure whilst also taking a look at its thematic concerns from sexual politics, the crisis of masculinity and post sixties counter culture.
Fragments of Fear is a podcast dedicated to the discussion and appreciation of giallo cinema with a slant towards the genre’s lesser celebrated titles. Join Peter Jilmstad and Rachael Nisbet as they delve into the delirious world of the Italian thriller taking an in-depth look at the films that shaped the genre.
Österreich