Trauma Details

A misfire of staggering proportions, Trauma finds acclaimed horror director Dario Argento leaving his native Italy and attempting to work his magic on an American film ? and failing completely. It?s set up should make it classic Argento material in the Deep Red/Bird With a Crystal Plumage mould ? a black gloved figure is committing brutal killings (who naturally turns out to be the last person you?d expect), whilst the observer of an earlier crime tries to work out the killers identity by the visual clue they unknowingly picked up. Unfortunately Argento?s execution here is hopeless. There has often been an element of B-movie plotting in Argento?s previous films, but even the likes of Terror at the Opera managed to ride over their cheesy storylines thanks to the amazing direction. Here the acting is almost universally dire (maybe Argento isn?t used to directing English speaking roles?), the storyline contrived, the visuals flat and boring, and the musical score is diabolical. Even Argento?s trademark murders feel tacky, as despite the Tom Savini effects we have such over the top ridiculousness as decapitated heads talking and screaming (what do you think your lungs are for Dario?). Argento?s earlier films are glorious ? but this plays like a tacky B-movie ? avoid.

A misfire of staggering proportions, Trauma finds acclaimed horror director Dario Argento leaving his native Italy and attempting to work his magic on an American film ? and failing completely. It?s set up should make it classic Argento material in the Deep Red/Bird With a Crystal Plumage mould ? a black gloved figure is committing brutal killings (who naturally turns out to be the last person you?d expect), whilst the observer of an earlier crime tries to work out the killers identity by the visual clue they unknowingly picked up. Unfortunately Argento?s execution here is hopeless. There has often been an element of B-movie plotting in Argento?s previous films, but even the likes of Terror at the Opera managed to ride over their cheesy storylines thanks to the amazing direction. Here the acting is almost universally dire (maybe Argento isn?t used to directing English speaking roles?), the storyline contrived, the visuals flat and boring, and the musical score is diabolical. Even Argento?s trademark murders feel tacky, as despite the Tom Savini effects we have such over the top ridiculousness as decapitated heads talking and screaming (what do you think your lungs are for Dario?). Argento?s earlier films are glorious ? but this plays like a tacky B-movie ? avoid.