It's Murder!

It's Murder! is a compelling 1977 film that marks an early and significant creative venture of director Sam Raimi, who went on to achieve mainstream success with the cult classic Evil Dead series and the Spiderman franchise. Raimi collaborates with Scott Spiegel and Cheryl Guttridge to create a gripping narrative that provides early evidence of his distinctive style and flair for storytelling.

Set against a commonplace, almost banal suburban backdrop, It's Murder! quickly unravels into a gripping thriller and murder mystery. The film pushes boundaries with its innovative and disjointed narrative structure, where each event sets the stage for the next, hinting at Raimi’s future penchant for producing spontaneous and unpredictable narratives.

At the heart of It's Murder! is Scott Spiegel, who delivers a compelling performance. Spiegel's character navigates the tumultuous murder mystery with verve and an uncannily nuanced understanding of the human psyche. His inherent ability to captivate audiences through narration is foreshadowing of his later work as a writer and director, contributing significantly to iconic films like Evil Dead II and From Dusk Till Dawn 2.

Cheryl Guttridge is equally compelling in her role. Although details about this character have been kept under wraps to prevent revealing key plot elements, her performance showcases the emotional depth and versatility that came to characterize her later career.

Spiegel and Guttridge’s characters find themselves intertwined in an intricate plot of murder and suspense. The narrative is skillfully constructed, taking the viewers through the winding alleyways of a twisted and macabre universe that doesn’t relent until the very end. The audience is left guessing as the suspense gradually builds, layer upon layer, resulting in a multi-faceted viewing experience that keeps them on edge from the beginning to the end.

With It's Murder!, Raimi also showcases an exceptional ability to utilize the cinematic medium to its fullest potential. The film is enriched with visually stunning shots, prominently featuring Raimi's signature dynamic camera work. Light and shadow are used not just as tools, but as active constituents of the story, to accentuate the building tension throughout the narrative.

One of the key hallmarks of a Sam Raimi film is the blending of genres, a characteristic that greatly enhances It's Murder!. The director shows an early predilection for blending elements of horror with other genres. The film sees traditional thriller elements seamlessly combined with elements of black comedy, an unexpected but fruitful fusion that sets Raimi's work apart from traditional filmmakers.

Raimi ingeniously keeps the audience in constant anticipation, making full use of off-screen space to create a creeping sense of dread. His inclination towards gross-out humor and surprise scares creates a unique alloy of suspense and comedy, leaving audiences in a constant state of intrigue.

Despite being an early work, It's Murder! encapsulates trademark Raimi traits - over-the-top scenarios, distinctive close-ups, and shock cam techniques, all employed to amp up the suspense and create a thrilling ride for the audience.

In typical Raimi style, the film doesn't shy away from gore, but uses it in a way that serves the plot and keeps the audience engrossed rather than gratuitously horrified. His skillful use of practical effects speaks volumes about his potential even at this early stage in his career. With It's Murder!, audiences get to witness the granularity of Raimi's raw and unfiltered style before mainstream success took him to big budget productions.

Overall, It's Murder! is an intense and engaging watch, and it's a must-watch for fans of suspense and thriller genre, as well as admirers of Sam Raimi's unique filmmaking prowess. As a precursor to his later classics, the film provides us with a fascinating insight into the early workings of the acclaimed director. While the film delivers on the suspense and thrill, it aptly serves as an homage to the creative force behind some of the most influential films in cinematic history.