Historically excellent, realistically less so

There are some films which are good when you watch them and others that will still be good in twenty years time.

Inferno is a brilliant horror film. You can see why it’s often found in Top Fifty Horror films lists. It’s creepy, it’s beautifully colourful (what would you expect from Dario Argento?) and the sets and locations are well-chosen. However, it was also made in 1980 and films have come a long way since then.

Unfortunately, Inferno will be seen by most new viewers as pretty slow. The shots are literally dragged out and, ironically, are a stark contrast to the high-paced electro music that someone decided should be overlaid over such high-octane scenes as ‘riding in a taxi’ and ‘looking at a book.’ It’s also dubbed, which always brings the acting down a notch.

I can see people who watched Inferno back in the eighties still liking it. I can see people who are studying film at university or the history of horror liking it. It’s an important film in its genre. I just found it too slow.

In a world populated by remakes and reboots, I’m amazed no one has suggested this. I think with a fair bit of editing, actors who speak the language naturally and a soundtrack that isn’t all over the place, it could be a more commercial hit.

Bottom line – if you’re into the history of horror, you’ll give this 5/5.

If you’ve just stumbled across it or, like me, are part of the ‘MTV Generation’ 3/5 is positively generous.