Two Evil Eyes

Two Evil Eyes is a spellbinding horror anthology movie from 1990 directed by the legends of horror genre, George A. Romero and Dario Argento. The film is a double-feature shocker comprised of two tales of terror based on literature by the grandmaster of horror, Edgar Allan Poe. The ensemble cast features Adrienne Barbeau, Harvey Keitel, and Ramy Zada, alongside E.G. Marshall, Madeleine Potter, John Amos, and Sally Kirkland.

Interestingly, instead of a customary anthology paced with several short stories, Two Evil Eyes dedicates nearly an hour to each of its two narratives, allowing for greater depth and formation of chilling atmospheres. The two novellas, "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar" and "The Black Cat," are liberated adaptations of Poe's eponymous tales.

"The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar," directed by Romero, stars Gray (Ramy Zada), a greedy, scheming hypnotherapist, and his affluent lover Jessica Valdemar (Adrienne Barbeau). They weave a macabre plot to abscond with her sickly husband's vast fortunes. The plan includes keeping the ailing Mr. Valdemar (Bingo O'Malley) on the brink of death through hypnosis. However, their plot takes a dreadful twist as they are thrust into a nightmarish reality blurring the boundaries between life and death.

Taking a turn to the grotesque, "The Black Cat," steered by Argento, presents a maddening exploration of guilt, suspicion, and lunacy. Renowned crime-scene photographer, Roderick Usher (Harvey Keitel), battles his increasing alcohol dependency and the perilous jealousy he harbors for his wife's pet cat. His ongoing struggles open a door to dreadful hallucinations and bloodcurdling acts of violence that transform his life into a horrifying experience.

Two Evil Eyes showcases a mix of Romero's penchant for socio-political undertones in horror and Argento's inclination towards suspense-filled, vividly aesthetic sequences. Its inspiration drawn from Poe's tales is palpable in its exploration of macabre themes, grim atmospheres, and malignant twists of fate.

In both stories, the depth of the character development is equally matched by the exquisite visuals and the gripping tension effectively built in each scene. The audience is led through a labyrinth of chilling surprises, shocking twists, and dreadful horror moments that pay homage to the Gothic horror roots of Edgar Allan Poe's literature.

Adrienne Barbeau, Harvey Keitel, and Ramy Zada give remarkable performances, capturing the intricacies and nuances of their characters with dexterity. Barbeau expertly portrays the tormented and scheming Jessica, while Zada brings to life the sinister and conniving hypnotist. Keitel, in his classic style, fantastically embodies the emotionally tortured and increasingly deranged Usher.

Despite a decade of evolving cinematic technologies, Two Evil Eyes delivers in its authentic visual effects and make-up, embracing the classic horror feel rather than resorting to CGI. Its grotesque horror scenes are vivid, grim, and creatively executed, giving viewers startling and terrifying moments that lest stick in their minds long after viewing the film.

The soundscape of the movie, crafted by Pino Donaggio, adds an eerie layer to the film, enhancing the overall tension and projectile goosebumps. The choices of music, from uncomfortable silences to plunges into moments of harmonic dread, help build an atmosphere of relentless unease.

Two Evil Eyes, in the end, serves as a striking confluence of talents from Romero and Argento in the world of horror. The film leverages Poe's tales, bringing them to life on film through stunning performances, atmospheric sets, gruesome visuals, and a bone-chilling score. It is a testament to the timeless horror of Poe's stories and a tribute to the darkest corners of the human subconscious, making it a fascinating watch for any fan of horror cinema.