Reviewed by Melissa Garza
Whodunits have to be my favorite type of horror film. Attempting to figure out the clues and watching the suspects act in a fashion that only leads one to believe they are the murderer is at the very least entertaining.
Murder Obssession (aka Murder Syndrome, Follia Omicida) is an Italian film that has finally been released in its entirety in the United States. Most of the movie is dubbed however since some additional scenes were added to show the completed version, those few are subtitled. Surprisingly, the shift from being dubbed to being subtitled takes nothing away from the
movie nor does it take the viewer out of the production.
Michael (Stefano Patrizi) is an actor who gets too involved in a scene involving assaulting his co-star Beryl (Laura Gemser). He decides he must face his past and returns home to his ailing mother Glenda (Anita Strindberg). As to not upset her, he lies and says that his girlfriend Deborah (Silvia Dionisio) is really his secretary. He brings his director Hans (Henri Garcin) and his co-stars along with him to the huge estate.
The odd housekeeper Oliver (John Richardson) welcomes all into the home. Immediately, Oliver is a suspect. He lurks around and has wide eyes that seem to follow everyone.
Soon, Michael makes a startling confession. He tells his friends that as a child he murdered his father in effort to save his mother from a savage beating.
Strange things begin occurring. First, Beryl is almost drowned while bathing by someone in black
gloves. Later, Deborah tells him of a nightmare she had about a Black Mass where she was taken, abused and then put upon a wooden cross.
The bodies begin piling up and no one is above suspicion. Michael is convinced that he is blacking out
and committing the crimes, but of course like any whodunit there is more than meets the eye.
The conclusion is fitting and perfect. The symbolism that is used and the conclusion is absolutely astonishing and more surprising than the ending itself.
I had the pleasure of viewing this movie with my brother and husband. I must say that it flew by. At the 1 hour and 10 minute mark, I was shocked about how much time had passed.
Though not a very frightening film, there are creepy moments. There are also a lot of amusing moments. Mostly, when Hans in his bathrobe runs to the aid of Beryl and has the same black gloves as the killer. Everyone has those gloves. The attempt to make everyone a suspect is quite amusing.
This is definitely for fans of the Whodunit sub-genre and will very likely be enjoyed by most any horror fan….except those fans of recent horror productions like the SAW series, but I don’t consider those horror fans. I consider those people torture fans. I am not a torture fan. I need substance, character development, and a compelling storyline. All of which Murder Obsession had in spades.
Scared Stiff Rating: 7/10
