Born in 1940, Italian director Dario Argento has worked in the film industry since 1966 where he began as a writer. Then in 1970, Argento turned his hand to directing. The results of his first foray, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage, kick-started a directorial career that has spanned six decades. Popularly known for creating films within the Giallo sub-genre, Argento returns after a ten-year directing hiatus with Dark Glasses.
Set in modern-day Italy, Dark Glasses quickly introduces a spree of murders. The victims in each case are sex-workers, but one would-be victim, Diana (Ilenia Pastorelli), escapes the killer’s grasp. However, her getaway has the unfortunate side effect of leaving her without sight. Still firmly on the killer’s hit list, the now blind Diana must do all she can to evade her tormentor. As visually enticing as Argento’s previous work, Dark Glasses is packed full of vibrant reds, sun-soaked whites, and deep dark shadows. Surprisingly though, the action elements within Dark Glasses are what stand out. The story revolves around Diana being pursued by a man in a van and the series of car chase sequences are thrilling to watch. There’s also the expected excellent score, the electronica heavy beats of composer Arnaud Rebotini increasing the tension.
What makes Dark Glasses interesting is the way in which it poses an idea that the ‘white van man’ is to be feared. Those that drive this sort of vehicle have long held certain reputations for their careless driving etc., but Dark Glasses highlights the innate fear that many have about the faceless people inside them. With vans being an easy place to bundle people into and disappear them, the vehicles can be a source of anxiety, especially to women, (who seem to be the prey of choice for the predators in the world). By placing the killer inside one of these vessels, Argento is tapped into this primal wariness and compounds those fears.
The plot is typically melodramatic, the acting suitably heightened, and so Dark Glasses allows for some moments of comedy. The police in charge of tracking the murderer down play like comedy relief and the humour allows Dark Glasses to be one of Argento’s more accessible movies for those unfamiliar with the icon.
Dark Glasses
Summary
A film that would pair well with Marcel Walz’ Blind, Dark Glasses is a silly sun-soaked thriller that remains entertaining. It has enough Giallo and Argento elements to appease the devout, whilst being different enough to allow access for the unindoctrinated
Dark Glasses was reviewed at Fantasia International Film Festival. Dark Glasses will screen next at Arrow Video FrightFest on Saturday 27th August 2022. Dark Glasses will arrive on Shudder on 13th October.
