Synopsis
Sam Dalmas, An American writer in Rome, witnesses a murder attempt as he walks by an art gallery late at night. The dying woman asks Sam for help, but he cannot do anything. He only remembers a man wearing black leather gloves. As the only witness, he is protected by the police. Later he realizes that he has forgotten some clues that will help find the murderer.
Even though The Bird with Crystal Plumage is Dario Argento's debut film, it is important in terms of its unique style and bold technological attempts and achievements. For example, ARGENTO's gloved hands and a protagonist who does not realize the key clues till the later repeatedly appear in ARGENTO's other films. In addition, Ennio MORRICONE's music, which takes an important role in the film, is deserved to be mentioned. There were a lot of obstacles till the completion of the film. Before he made his debut as a director, ARGENTO had built a successful career as a screenwriter. By directing The Bird with Crystal Plumage, ARGENTO paved the way for his successful career as a horror-film master even though he was threatened to be stepped down. He did not have much ambition as a director in the beginning. It seems like that he was afraid of other directors ruining the fascinating suspenseful story. The Bird with Crystal Plumageproves ARGENTO's talent as a genre movie director. It is an excellent film in which attractive storytelling, an outstanding sense of image, refined filming techniques and the aesthetics of murder stand out. (KIM Jong Chul)