Tenebre
dir. Dario Argento · 1982
The struggle to understand the darkness within ourselves can lead to dangerous consequences.
"Tenebrae" is a masterclass in psychological horror, where the boundaries between art and reality blur, leading to a chilling exploration of obsession and madness. With Dario Argento's signature visual flair, this film invites viewers into a labyrinth of suspense that is as beautiful as it is terrifying.
With Argento's trademark visual style, linked with one of his more coherent plots, Tenebrae follows a writer who arrives to Rome only to find somebody is using his novels as the inspiration (and, occasionally, the means) of committing murder. As the death toll mounts the police are ever baffled, and the writer becomes more closely linked to the case than is comfortable.
Talking points
- the ethics of artistic inspiration
- the nature of fear and horror
- the relationship between creator and audience
- the impact of violence in storytelling
