alternate bird with the crystal plumage review

BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE
aka
L'UCCELLO DALLE PIUME DI CRISTALLO
BIRD WITH THE GLASS FEATHERS
THE GALLERY MURDERS
PHANTOM OF TERROR
(1969) 98 mins
SEDA SPETTACOLI ; ITALY

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage is for me, one of Argento's best efforts, it's all the more incredible considering it was his directorial debut, the script is tightly constructed with only a few brief lapses. The photography is outstanding throughout, eye catching cinematography by the excellent Vittorio Storaro. The set pieces are well executed, the initial attack, where Musante is trapped between the glass doors is superb, also the scene where the killer attempts to attack a lone Suzy Kendall.
I think Bird is a classic thriller in the vein of Hitchcock, but it has a unique style all of it's own, in fact I favour this film over any of Hitchcock's. The film is an underground cult favourite, little is ever heard of it, but it is always credited as being one of the greatest giallo films. The tension is kept unbearably high, the music; a brilliant Ennio Morricone score, serves to increase tension further. Without a doubt, one of my personal favourites, this movie is a classic.
My favourite scenes are those mentioned above, plus the titles for the start of the film. An unseen person takes photographs of their potential victims, later to return to their keep and a blood red case of vicious knives. A crane shot; set to music, which rises above the rooftops and casts it's way down to the killer and a shot of the killer donning black gloves. I can't praise this film enough, it's a murder, mystery & suspense masterpiece.

reviewed by Sandy Richardson

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