The Strange Vice Of Mrs.Wardh. by Sergio Martino (1970). R1 USA DVD Review. Out May 31st 2005.
Film number five from Sergio Martino, a 29 year-old Director at the time, and his first Giallo (Italian Thriller) movie - but not his last. This upcoming USA DVD from NoShame, an Italian label with a new American base, presents the Uncut print in a disc worthy of comparisons to those films and discs issued by Blue Underground, Anchor Bay, or even Criterion. A genre movie at heart, Martino gives us his own individual take on the astonishingly popular (in its time) and still popular (in 'cult' terms) movie style.
Starring Giallo favourites Edwige Fenech as Julie Wardh, and George Hilton as George; Fenech can be seen in 'Case of the Bloody Iris'(Giuliano Carnimeo) , 'Five Dolls For An August Moon' (Mario Bava) , and Martinos 'All the Colors of the Dark' amongst others. Hilton is also in the first and last of those, plus 'My Dear Killer' (Tonino Valerii). Martino himself made this film as his first in the genre, but went on to do 'Case of the Scorpions Tale' and 'All the Colors of the Dark' too. He still continues to work, as do most (apparently) of the others involved in the project; Martino has directed something like 60 productions. Fenech was recently in 'The Merchant of Venice' with Al Pacino for example. Hilton seems largely to have been involved in TV in his later credits.
The story revolves around (primarily) four main characters. Julie Wardh, recently married (a year previously) to husband Neil. Jean, the apparently sociopathic ex-love who appears back in her life when she returns to her home town. George, the apparently new face in her life who charms his way into her affections. The 'Strange Vice' in question is Julies' dangerous draw to more than one man at a time, her lack of ability to settle or decide upon one in particular - and perhaps to pick handsome men before thinking of the consequences from unknown personalities. She also has a taste for outdoor sex, it seems.
As the narrative progresses, Julie and Georges' main story manipulates the viewers in various directions. Moments of bliss and relative security seem to be on offer. Moments of danger, life-threatening events and the demise of those around them too. A black-gloved, cut-throat razor-weilding killer is on the loose; it could be Jean, the apparently jealous ex-lover. It could be the men she doesn't so obviously suspect, but whom she isn't as familiar with as one would expect a woman to be familiar with her husband. There are many subtle pulls in direction, and the intention is to never let the viewers be entirely comfortable with what they are seeing, or entirely able to completely grasp the narrative until (literally) the final moments where you sense the credits are about to roll.
Although I will admit that many may find the Giallo genre to be strangely familiar (numerous Hollywood movies are either directly or indirectly influenced by the genre, both at during the 1970s and at later times; 'Dont Look Now' by Nicholas Roeg, and to some extent films such as 'The Shining', 'Carrie', and 'Halloween'. 'Basic Instinct' is pretty much an American 1990s take on the genre). Despite this familiarity though, as with any genre movie, the familiarity is often the draw and it's also a tool for manipulation there to be exploited by the Director. You won't see such crime dramas so confidently and vibrantly handled. You also won't see such extreme and potentially controversial content; many will be unsettled at the sexual death scenes of (often) naked female characters. There is also a charmingly adult and confident European style, look and behaviour to the characters, their behaviour, their clothing, their apartments and cars. This contrasts the twisted behaviour of the degenrate, sociopathic, perhaps insane killer that's thrown into the mix.
The locations are carefully selected, very effectively exploited. A variety of types of weather and (seemingly) time of year allows us to see slow motion drama in the rain, richly-lit scenes in low-sunset (vibrant back-lighting), the height of summer with its rich blue skies, and mysty autum-like locals. The heavy contrast of the shot-selection (both within shot and between shots) is well chosen and disconcerting or reassuring, and is used very devicively. Some of the most gorgeous photography i've seen in a long time.
The genre itself will, like all genres, have familiar elements that are expected and exploited throughout. In this particular genre, the Giallo (meaning 'yellow' - the main color of the book covers from which the genre spawned) has a large selection to play with. Vibrant colors that are heavily contrasted, dark spaces with sporadic lighting leave you unsure of your surroundings, shots that isolate an individual in a large environment trigger concern, close-ups that don't completely allow you to grasp the scene and its participant(s) to be entirely safe from danger. Often, but only briefly in this film, you are also placed in the position of the killer, thanks to first-person photography. So, for me this is a genre that heavily relies and thrives when mastered and restored effectively.
Thankfully the print that has been sourced is spotless. The colors are as rich as a film fresh out of production. No sign of any scratches, patches or stains, no juddering or shaking of the image. Admitedly the sound (in either Italian or English) is almost always over-dubbed after shooting and sounds relatively dull; for me this is part of the experience and charm of such films. Considering the age of the film (35 years old) it's a remarkable achievement, and add into the equation the film would have been made on little money in a short space of time, then it's even more stunning to behold. NoShame have done a stunning job - congratulations to all involved in the disc.
Subtitles are small (but not too small), tightly packed and almost always perfectly timed. The translation seems to be literal rather than subjective for the most part. I spotted about half a dozen unintentional mistakes in spacing (missing or unnecessary spaces) which isn't bad considering the dialogue varies in pace and the occasional complexity of it all.
Extras are familiar - the trailer, some posters and press photographs, a 30 minute newly-filmed piece which interviews all the major players in the film. Fenech is still saucy in her late 50s. George Hilton has aged handsomely. Sergio Martino is spritely and lively in his discussion of this early project. Ernesto Gestaldi, the writer, is the only one to clearly show his age in any respect. They all contribute to provide varying opinions on the layered and rich story they created and portrayed. A very interesting background piece that fleshes out and brings to life what is a very solid example of such a film.
Although I don't often review, I will say that it is because I want to talk about stuff that's is important to me. It's also important to go over something that I may not entirely be accurate in my knowledge and understanding of, but which I am very familiar with to a large extent. Giallo movies are something that will either click with the viewer or not. Admitedly, Dario Argento is the master of such movies (for me) - but many others, Martino amongst them, made some astonishingly well-judged examples. At this time, the genre was revitalised and Martino himself doesnt seem jaded with the subject matter but has gained the confidence to make him look masterful.
Altogether, very much recommended to fans of the genre. Recommended to those who appreciate European cinema, particularly that from some time ago. Recommended to those who might have had their interest sparked by anything i've said. A review of 'Case of the Scorpions Tale', Martinos second Giallo, coming soon.
Breathtakingly well mastered disc, cracking movie.
