Opera aka Terror at the Opera

Opera, also known as Terror at the Opera, is a 1987 Italian giallo film directed by Dario Argento. Starring Cristina Marsillach and Ian Charleson, it is a stylistically ambitious horror-thriller with a unique blend of high-quality acting, captivating storylines, and spine-chilling elements.

The film's protagonist is the talented and young opera starlet, Betty, played by Cristina Marsillach. Betty is an aspiring opera singer who is catapulted to fame unexpectedly, taking on the lead role in Verdi's Macbeth after the original lead singer is injured in an accident. As this is a role that she has always aspired to play, Betty plunges headfirst into rehearsals, despite the tales of misfortune and bad luck associated with the 'Scottish play'. However, the circumstance that grants her this golden opportunity is an eerie harbinger of the chilling course her life is about to take.

As the opera house gears up for grand performances, Betty is thrown into a terrifying sequence of events that blur the line between the macabre horror of Macbeth and her real-life. A deranged fan, shrouded in mystery, begins to stalk her, orchestrating a series of confrontations that lead Betty into an escalating cycle of terror.

Co-starring with Marsillach is Ian Charleson, an acclaimed British actor, playing the composed director of the opera, Marco. Charleson's compelling portrayal of Marco brings a unique element to this film, providing an interesting contrast to Marsillach's terrified Betty. The chemistry between the two characters, combined with their individual acting prowess, is instrumental in adding depth to the film's story.

Opera is renowned for its visually stunning cinematography and Argento's directorial prowess. The camera work involving bird's-eye perspectives and intense close-ups add extensively to the dramatic feel of the film. Embedded in the narrative are profound demonstrations of psychological fear, which Argento highlights with surreal and nightmarish imagery. The cleverly designed sets of the opera house, combined with expert lighting techniques, produce a vibrantly gothic atmosphere that is consistent throughout the narrative.

The movie also incorporates elements of the supernatural, something Argento has experimented with in his earlier works. While the film may seem ostensibly about a slasher hunting his victims, it cleverly infuses elements of the supernatural, creating an enigmatic plot that leaves viewers with consistent moments of surprise and shock.

The horror elements in the film do not merely rely on gore and violence. Rather, it's the psychological terror, resulting from the traumatic experiences Betty goes through, that amplifies the true horror of the film. The terror Betty feels is conveyed remarkably well by Marsillach and sticks with the viewers long after the film is over.

Tightly knit with the film's ominously thrilling plot is Argento's clever use of music. With an aural backdrop featuring the intense music of opera juxtaposed against heavy metal, and surprising, horrifying cacophonies, the film becomes an audial feast that heightens the tension and the suspense, making every scene even more gripping.

Opera creates a stunning atmosphere of suspense, thriller, and mystery with every turn and scene. The growing terror that grips Betty raises the stakes as her professional triumphs in opera get shadowed by personal terrors. Each performance she gives on stage paradoxically amplifies the dangers she faces off-stage. Marsillach's phenomenal portrayal of a woman subjected to unimaginable terror keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

With Opera, Argento navigates the sinister potential of the human mind expertly, unraveling a psychologically charged narrative that weaves the enchanting world of opera with the horrifying descent into madness. The film's performances combined with Argento's unique filming and storytelling style make Opera an unforgettable cinematic journey into suspense and horror. This film is an absolute must-watch for those who appreciate suspense, horror, and the charm of Italian Giallo cinema.