Review of Suspiria

Suspiria is like a ride through an amusement park funhouse with candy-colored lights, eerie music, and scares that come out of nowhere. Hitchcock is on tap here as well as Bava, both an obvious influence on Argento. Never has horror been so gorgeous and artistically rendered. The cinematography, set design, and lighting are all oscar-worthy. Yes, the gore is extreme, but balances out evenly with the suspense and atmosphere. It does have it's share of flaws, some of the acting and dialogue is pretty bad and that lecture on witchcraft halfway through really brought things to a screeching halt. But as far as Italian horror, or horror in general is concerned, this is the cream of the crop. Arguably Argento's best (while I prefer Inferno) and I think it's interesting to note that if you were to strip Suspiria of everything that makes it great you would be left with what horror cinema is today.

Argento score card:
Blood - 8
Scares - 10
Music - 10
Lusty women - 6
Camera work - 8
Color palette - 10
Crazed animals - 2 (maggots?)

Total score: 54/70