Synopsis
This is the second film in which Asia ARGENTO, Dario ARGENTO's daughter, plays the leading character in her father's film since Trauma. (Originally, Bridget FONDA was chosen with the U. S. setting). The Stendhal Syndrome is a mystery thriller telling the story of police detective MANIN, who is tracking down a horrible serial killer and rapist in Rome, Italy. The film, based on Italian psychologist Graziella MAGHERINI's novel, exhibits director's artistic talent. There is an interesting anecdote to this movie. STENDHAL, a famous French writer of the Red and the Black, was fainted when he saw beautiful frescoes in a church at Florence. Researching the phenomenon, MAGHERINI found that many people experienced such a symptom. She named it the Stendhal Syndrome. Using the phenomenon as the motif of the film, ARGENTO shows us a frightening world of serial killers through magnificent visuals. He made a lot of technical attempts in this film. In particular, the active use of computer graphics is notable. He properly used it in scenes befitting his fantastic atmosphere of his work. For example, Asia ARGENTO moves into a picture from the real world. Also, the pills she takes pass down the gullet. The quality of this film is not as good as the ones made during ARGENTO's heydays. However, its unique atmosphere is quite impressive. The beautiful and sensible images crossing between reality and fantasy are outstanding and the dreamlike melody of the Ennio MORICONE's music leaves a lingering impression. (KIM Jong Chul)