Absurd

Absurd, also known as Rosso Sangue, is a 1981 Horror film directed by Italian filmmaker Joe D'Amato and stars George Eastman, Annie Belle, and Charles Borromel. Though often classified under different genres, such as Splatter and Slasher films, Absurd has a standing and influence that could be attributed to its underlying themes blending Mediterranean horror with aspects of American gore cinema. The film presents an eeriness heightened by its unique period setting and storyline's captivating blend of suspense, mystery, and raw fear.

Eastman takes on the role of a murderous brute, Mikos Stenopolis, who finds himself on a bloodthirsty rampage on the innocent evening of an unsuspecting town. Fans of Eastman's craft can delight in a top-notch performance of a man diminished to a monstrous creature fueled by an unquenchable desire to kill. Eastman's menacing and chilling portrayal of Mikos seizes the audience in a grip of fear and trepidation.

Annie Belle, starring as Emily, brings forth a substantial performance as the movie's primary female lead. Her character, forced to witness the ongoing bloodbath from the confinements of her bed-ridden state, struggles with her precarious position that inhibits her fighting back. Although battling her own demons, Emily is faced with the imposing threat of Mikos that looms ever so closely.

Playing priest, Father Cunningham, Charles Borromel brings to life a character devoted to putting an end to Mikos' rampage. Borromel carries his character's urgency with an ease that blends with the movie's strong atmospheric horror.

As the plot unfurls, the narrative becomes an unsettling journey into the dark avenues of human nature, predation, and survival. The story moves at a pace that allows space for the build-up of fear, ultimately leading to several moments of suspenseful climax. It maintains a gritty tone that enhances the dark narrative.

Joe D'Amato exhibits his flair for storytelling in Absurd through skillful cinematography that captures the dark undertones of the plot. Innovative shots, combined with vivid imagery, paint a vivid picture of the grim tale. The intense, nerve-wracking sequences are cleverly punctuated with moments of calm, only serving to amplify the impending sense of dread.

The movie's gruesome details are not for the faint-hearted, earning this film a special place in the video nasties category. It effectively manages to elicit fear and shock from its audience. True to its genre, the film contains an abundant amount of gore spectacle, tightly-wound suspense, and heart-pounding moments served up through terrifying kill scenes and blood-splashed horror.

Notably, the artistic prowess of Italian maestro Carlo Maria Cordio is showcased through an unforgettable musical score. The music contributes to the intense fear-inducing environment, seamlessly swaying from eerily soft melodies to high-pitched crescendos at crucial moments. Cordio's influence is palpable throughout the movie's runtime, shaping the overall macabre tone.

Unlike typical horror narratives, Absurd does not solely focus on the carnage unleashed by Mikos. Instead, it sheds light on the profound impact his menacing presence has on the townsfolk who are forced to become players in his blood-stained game. This aspect adds a psychological layer to the film, making it a ride of both physical and mental horror.

The film uses a potent mix of classic horror technique with modern (for its time) gore effects that inject an adrenaline-driven vigor to the narrative. It is the Italian response to the American slasher craze of the late 70s, marked by its unique brand of stylized violence and suspense paired with a gritty aesthetic.

In conclusion, Absurd is a horror movie that captivates its audience in more ways than one. It's a chilling portrayal of a fight for survival against an indomitable force highlighted by convincingly terrorising performances. The mesmerizing direction, haunting musical score, and a relentless story make Absurd a significant imprint on the genre of horror and a must-watch for those who dare to explore the nightmarish realm of cinema.