Four Flies on Grey Velvet (1971) (DVD Review)
Directed By: Dario Argento
Starring: Michael Brandon, Mimsy Farmer, Jean-Pierre Marielle
Rated: UR/Region: 0/2:35/Number of disc: 1
Available from Mya Communication/Ryko
Roberto, a drummer in a rock band, keeps receiving weird phone calls and being followed by a mysterious man. One night he manages to catch up with his persecutor and tries to get him to talk but in the ensuing struggle he accidentally stabs him. He runs away, but he understands his troubles have just begun when the following day he receives an envelope with photos of him killing the man. Someone is killing all his friends and trying to frame him for the murders.
Dario Argento was the man behind this eerie and strange tale of a drummer who is finding himself in one of the weirdest and most awful situations you can find. Coming from Argento you know you will get a stylish twist on things and some very creative (if not a little funny) violence. I do wish there were more blood to go around here, but what we do get is enough and it was pretty gruesome for 1971. I wouldn’t call the characters in this film likable. I don’t think you will like the lead for that matter. I do think you will at least find your attention being held.
The music of the film was a bit of a let-down. This was before we’d get those awesome Goblin themes for Dario and it does hurt things somewhat here at times. Outside of that and some slow issues with the plot it really is an interesting film with an undeniable atmosphere to go around it. While the blood might not run like they would in this director’s later films, we do at least get some of the more creative kills you will find considering the year.
– English and Italian Audio versions with Subtitles For Restored Scenes in Both
– Italian Trailer
– US Teaser and Original Trailer
– English Opening and Closing Credits
– Poster and Photo Gallery
