Argento's natural peak

Coming after the excellent, but flawed, Inferno, Tenebrae is Dario's last and best film (in my view).

For me, Inferno is a an excellent - if slightly overlong - dreamlike film. The fact that the ending is rather dull isn't a problem for me. It should also be noted that the ending of Suspira, although set at a better pace, is hardly a revelation either. And this is my reason for rating Tenebrae so highly, he matched his great visuals with a great story and great music. He'd learned from his mistakes - or just got lucky.

The ending too, is simple but brilliant. Ok, it's been done before (Witchfinder General) but so what? If it's a choice between rip off / homage and something as diabolical as the full stop on "Mother of Tears", I know what I'd choose.

Tenebrae is a classy "Vogue" magazine film that really suits being 1980's - before the 80's went crap, see "Phenomena". Compare Tenebrae with it's follower and you'll perhaps see my point.

Fact is, Tenebrae needs to be celebrated as two fingers to the US film idustry. I can't ever see this film coming from anywhere other than Italy. Rock on Tenebrae, and sadly Dario never matched it - though he came close. Anyone who hasn't seen "Sleepless" - a far more recent effort - will see several nods to his 1982 classic. The music is even by Goblin in distinctly retro mode, though it never comes close to the best song ever - Tenebrae. Oh, and Justice can Frigg off with their pathetic sampling. You cannot improve on perfection, go and write your own tune.