Death Smiles on a Murderer [VHS Retro Style] 1973

Death Smiles on a Murderer is a vivid and surrealistic horror film directed by its creator, the masterful talent, Luciano Ercoli. Released in 1973, the film stars Ewa Aulin, Klaus Kinski, and Giacomo Rossi Stuart. Set in the early 20th century, the movie is an adroit blend of European gothic horror with an unmistakable touch of Italian giallo. It's a cinematic journey that houses a tantalizing storyline, captivating performances, and a dark atmosphere, creating an experience that is as unique and haunting as the title itself suggests.

The storyline pivots around Ewa Aulin, who plays Greta, a woman falling into a complicated web of murder, betrayal, and insanity. The movie opens with Greta, an enigmatic woman with a mysterious past, arriving at the home of a wealthy Austrian family. As the narrative unravels, viewers are pulled into the complex and disturbing world inhabited by Greta. Lines between the past and the present, life, and death become blurred, creating an atmosphere of disorienting dread.

Klaus Kinski, known for his intense performances, takes on a much different role in this film as Dr. Sturges, a man swept into Greta's odd world. His performance contrasts with his usual over the top personas, opting for subdued nuances that make his character all the more intriguing. Giacomo Rossi Stuart portrays Walter von Ravensbrück, another cornerstone persona in the intricate narrative. His refined, yet troubled character provides an ideal balance in the movie's cynical tapestry, further accentuating the disturbing mystery.

As a director, Ercoli shows immense cleverness in his approach to the material. He manipulates time and memory to jumble the narrative, intentionally clouding the story's events to mimic the characters' disoriented perception. The result is a truly hypnotic experience where audiences are never sure of what is reality and what is merely a disturbed illusion.

Ercoli also takes full advantage of the stunning locations and opulent set pieces. The director extensively uses the atmospheric settings to their fullest potential, contributing to an eerie and disconcerting ambiance that speaks volumes about the film's tone. There’s an elegance to the horror that lets it creep slowly under your skin, all accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful score composed by Berto Pisano.

However, the true strength of Death Smiles on a Murderer lies in the mysterious story it weaves, one that significantly pays off. It doesn't hand over answers easily to its audience, rather it plays out uncertainly, drawing viewers into its evolving maze-like plot.

The cinematography of this 1973 movie is effectively used to build tension and provoke unease. Ercoli takes advantage of the classic production technologies of the era to create a foreboding environment as well as intense, eerily stunning visuals that emphasize the horror. The color palette and camera work are reminiscent of the 70s Italian gialli films, enhancing the movie's dated charm and building on its dreamlike atmosphere.

The movie does indulge in some traditional giallo trademarks - gruesome violence and eroticism, but it does so in such a skillful way that it plays into the narrative without ever feeling exploitative. These elements further contribute to the atmospheric horror, adding to its nightmarish quality.

As for the VHS Retro Style, it lends the film an additional layer of nostalgic charm. The grainy texture of the VHS format, combined with the aesthetic elements of 70s cinema, results in a movie experience that is both immersive and transfixing. It's reminiscent of a time when storytelling was raw and visually captivating, adding a warmth and character to the film that can only be encapsulated by this format.

Despite its captivating allure, it is worth noting that Death Smiles on a Murderer is geared more towards the open-minded and patient viewer. Its nonlinear storyline and abstract narrative can seem disjointed, but that's part of its charm; it's a puzzle that needs to be deciphered, a dark mystery to solve.

In summary, Death Smiles on a Murderer is not a traditional horror film, but rather a mystical journey that alternates between moments of dread and surreal elegance. It serves up a cinematic blend of deceiving plots, haunting visuals and immersive performances that come together to create a distinctive and memorable experience, making it a must-watch for fans of vintage European horror.