FOUR FLIES ON GREY VELVET (1971)

4 stars

Shameless Films. Blu ray or 4K UHD. Out Now

4 Moschi di velluto grigio

Having first seen and been blown away by SUSPIRIA (1977) at the flicks, when it was first released in the UK, before anyone had heard of this Italian chap Dario Argento, I was keen to catch up with his other movies. FOUR FLIES ON GREY VELVET, the last in his so-called ‘Animal Trilogy’ would prove to be the most elusive to see back in the day. I think I eventually caught up with it on 16mm at a film festival, and owned a questionably sourced VHS. Now you can catch it in splendid 4K from Shameless Films – film fans these days are spoilt! No thrill of the chase…

The script, which was penned by director Argento, uses the highly questionable central conceit, that whatever was last seen by a person before they die is burnt into their retina. Of course! But let’s face it, when were giallo’s in general, and specifically Argento’s writings, ever noted for their narrative logic and veracity.

Roberto Tobias (a good Michael Brandon) is a drummer in a groovy band. A man in hat and sunglasses seems to be stalking him. After a session in the studio, he follows the stranger into an opera house (which appears to be abandoned) and confronts him. The man denies he was looking at him. He then pulls a knife and Roberto appears to kill him — even if it was an accident. Up in the balcony someone wearing a strange mask takes pictures of the incident.

Later Roberto receives a letter containing the identity card of the dead man. Plus he finds photos of the incident hidden in his flat. He is plagued by nightmares. Then one night he hears someone in the house. He is attacked by the masked individual and left unconscious.

His wife Nina (Mimsy Farmer) is concerned as he has been acting strange and he tells her everything, but he can’t go to the police.

Instead he goes to meet his friend Godfrey (who he calls God and is played by Bud Spencer, star of many Italian productions). He explains to him about what has happened. The witness isn’t after money. Godfrey recommends he hires a private investigator plus gets the eccentric Professor to watch the house.

Who is the stranger and what does he want? Has Roberto actually committed a murder? There is more to all this than meets the eye and to say much more would be to spoil the twists and turns that unfurl.

Typically stylish direction by Argento with several tricksy shots on show, created with the help of cinematographer Franco Di Giacomo. Great Morricone score (though he and Argento fell out and didn’t work with each other for years). Brandon is fine in the lead and judging from the interview on the disc he had a good time making the movie.

Steve Kirkham

EXTRAS

4 stars

The Art of Murder – interview with Luigi Cozzi (39 mins) good comprehensive interview about the film. Don’t watch before watching the movie.

The Velvet Chronicles — highly entertaining interview with an enthusiastic Michael Brandon who enjoyed working with Argento and on the film. (39 mins)

Behind the Velvet Curtain – interview with Argento (29 mins). How Four Flies was in some ways autobiographical, about the animal trilogy. Where he drew inspiration from. Working with Bertolucci and Leone. The making of the film.

Plus English Opening & End Credits; English & Italian Theatrical Trailers; English TV-Spot; Photo Gallery

Also a booklet by Argento expert Alan Jones, 2 artcards and a poster