Cast
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Crew
Director
- Lamberto Bava
Writer
- Elisa Briganti
- Dardano Sacchetti
Producer
- Mino Loy
- Lamberto Bava
- Luciano Martino
Reviews
Wiccaburr
Well that was one unexpected twist.
Though the slow pace made it almost not worth watching.
The effects were great but the story could've been shortened I feel but hey, this is a giallo movie after all.
This movie will be good for those really into this style of films.
I do enjoy the movie though. Just won't be watching it again anytime soon.
Oct 2, 2020
Wuchak
**_Swimming Pool in Rome_**
A young composer (Andrea Occhipinti) gets the opportunity to score an Italian horror film and so stays at a nice villa to do his work, but it’s hindered by visiting females and strange goings-on, including… murder by a utility knife.
Helmed by the son of Mario Bava, "A Blade in the Dark" (1983) is a traditional slasher more so than a giallo. It borrows from “Psycho,” “Home for the Holidays” and “Halloween,” not to mention a Brian De Palma movie that I can’t mention. “Swimming Pool” was obviously inspired by its milieu twenty years later (even though it’s not a slasher). Speaking of the setting, the entire film was shot at the producer’s villa, except for one sequence filmed on a boulevard in Rome.
It was originally made as a mini-series of four half-hour installments with each segment ending in a murder, but the TV networks rejected it as too violent. So, it was released as a 97-minutes movie, but the full version (with an additional 11 minutes) was eventually released, which is the version I watched. Don’t view the English dubbed version as the dubbing is lousy (and amusing). If you speak English, see the subtitled version.
Some people complain that it’s too slow and the setting is too one-dimensional, but it worked for me for what it is, even though I figured out who the killer was with about 20 minutes to go. The female cast is decent, featuring Fabiola Toledo as Angela, Lara Lamberti as Julia (aka Lara Naszinski), Valeria Cavalli as Katia and Anny Papa as Sandra.
Its title in Italian is “House of the Dark Stairway” or “House of Dark Stairs” (translated).
It runs 1 hour, 48 minutes.
GRADE: B
Dec 23, 2024
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Mystery/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. A Blade in the Dark presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Lamberto Bava brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1983, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Blade in the Dark took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 167 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1256 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 73 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Blade in the Dark shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Dark, which focuses more on action than character development, A Blade in the Dark subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Sand Trap and Corps et âmes explore similar territory, A Blade in the Dark stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 6, 1983
- Runtime: 1h 49m
Where to Watch
