Torso

Torso (1973)

This is one of the best Giallos that I’ve ever seen. The story here revolves around a group of women that are attending a university. The only clue to his identity is that he strangles his victim’s with a black and red scarf. After a second woman is murdered Daniela decides to spend the weekend away from the city in her family’s villa. She brings some of her friends with her for the weekend. What they don’t realize is that the killer has followed them to their getaway. It seems that Daniela might have seen something that the killer can’t afford anyone know about. What is that and why did the killings start at all? I recommend that you go out right now and get your own copy of Torso to find out!

I really do recommend this movie. As I’ve already stated this is one of the best Giallos that I’ve ever seen. The story is well paced and makes sure that there is always something interesting happening on screen. Either the killer is creeping about stalking and murdering his victims, one of the many suspects is on screen acting guilty, or one of the many beautiful women is partially or totally naked at pretty much all times. And I don’t want to make Torso sound too cheesy, because the mystery and reveal of the killer are great. Unlike some other Giallos I’ve seen this one makes complete sense and will satisfy those who complain about Italian movies and their plot twists being hard to take. This movie also has a memorable and what I think is maybe the best ending to any Giallos ever. In addition to the great story we get all sorts sleaze. Not only is there nudity all over screen, but also we get peeping Toms, obsessed ex-boyfriends, and girls who dig girls! So really what else could you ask for?

Well how about some great gore, because Torso delivers the goods there as well. Now this is a movie from the early 70s so don’t expect effects that match those of the early to mid 80s slasher movies. That said you get a nice bit with a head being crushed between a brick wall and a car bumper. Some eye gouging, and of course the hacksaw bit is always fun. Even the kills that don’t involve a lot of gore are still pretty brutal and nasty, with a couple of onscreen strangulations. Beyond the special effects I also wanted to mention the camera work. While the lighting is fairly standard I noticed again and again how interesting some of the camera angles were. You get some shots from below or at odd angles that are creative without being intrusive. Also some of the shots are framed with doorways or other objects in the foreground that really focus your eye on what the director wants you to be looking at. This is also used at the ending of the movie to increase the tension and finally to let the audience off the hook.

Blue Underground has packed with this Blu-Ray with some cool special features. The best of these is Murders in Perugia, which is an interview director Sergio Martino. If you are a fan of Martino then you will love this feature. There are also radio spots, trailers, and a poster gallery that are worth checking out.

While writing the review I was bouncing between a couple of scores for the movie. Is it just a really great movie or a perfect one? In the end I had so much fun with Torso that I had to go with the higher rating. So I highly recommend Torso, which is available from Blue Underground. For more information check them out at http://www.blue-underground.com/

4 out of 4

reviewed by John Shatzer