Iguana With the Tongue of Fire

Iguana with the Tongue of Fire is a 1971 Italian giallo film directed by Riccardo Freda and starring Luigi Pistilli, Dagmar Lassander, and Anton Diffring. A heady mix of horror, mystery, and thriller, this film is set in Dublin, Ireland, and represents a unique transposition of the familiar Italian giallo genre to an international setting.

The film follows the chilling character of former NYPD detective John Norton, played by the venerable Luigi Pistilli, known for his roles in Euro-cult classics. Returned from America to his ancestral homeland of Ireland, Norton is a complex character, plagued by his past and struggling to establish a peaceful life. When a series of gruesome murders occur in the city, Norton, with his rich background in law enforcement, is irresistibly drawn into the intrigue.

The victims, all brutally attacked and killed with an exotic oriental weapon, each have their eyes gouged out in a shocking signature style that suggests a serial killer is active in the city. Daemoniacal and perplexing, the murders leave the police puzzled. This sets the baseline for a series of events full of suspense, ensuring the viewer is constantly on edge. The calling card of the mysterious murderer is his peculiar choice of weapon, a hatpin coated in a rare oriental poison which earns him the unnerving cognomen related to the fiery reptile.

More complex than your average detective story, the Iguana with the Tongue of Fire also tells the tale of a dysfunctional wealthy Swiss diplomat's family, involving both Anton Diffring and Dagmar Lassander. Diffring gives a robust performance in his role as Ambassador Sobiesky, adding intrigue and dark secrets into the mix. Lassander's performance as Helen, the ambassador's stunning daughter, combines vulnerability with resolve, adding another layer of complexity to the film.

As the narrative unfolds, the viewer is met with an array of flawed yet fascinating characters, beset by secrets and with motives that make everyone a potential suspect. The interweaving subplots provide a rich backdrop for the central murder mystery. Elements of an illicit drug trade, diplomatic immunities, and numerous past indiscretions muddy the waters, leading to many a wrong thread being followed and many a potential suspect meeting an untimely end.

The film's direction by Riccardo Freda is both innovative and masterful, with an attention to atmospheric detail that allows the eccentricities of 70s Dublin to shine through. From the luxurious mansions to the dingy backstreets, the setting is as much a character as the actors themselves. International intrigue, a whodunit thread, and the underbelly of Dublin all woven together serve as an enticing backdrop to the drama.

Iguana with the Tongue of Fire is also notable for its visceral violence which nudges the boundary for its genre during its time. This movie is not for the faint of heart, featuring unflinchingly graphic details that emphasize the grim nature of the killer's crimes. This aspect of the film is bolstered by the effective makeup effects work, which renders each horrific scene with a grim realism.

The superlative soundtrack by Stelvio Cipriani creates an increasing sense of dread and keeps the viewer involved. The eerie scores, combined with Antonio Margheritis' eye-catching cinematography that blends a conventional thriller viewpoint with sudden, visceral close-ups, heighten the tension and drama.

All these elements combined make 'Iguana with the Tongue of Fire', a notable giallo film. Aside from its intricate plot and distinct character portrayals, the movie also serves as an interesting cultural and historical artifact, reflecting the changing landscape of European cinema of the 1970s.

In conclusion, while the film may seem a little intense for casual viewers due to its harrowing storyline and vivid violence, it is undeniably a gem in the giallo genre. This film serves a commingling of mystery, horror, and thriller, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre and a revealing experience for those interested in international cinema traditions. So, brace yourself and delve into the mysterious world of Iguana with the Tongue of Fire.