How Dario Argento turned Horror into an aesthetic
- pia kabott
- 16. Jan. 2024
- 6 Min. Lesezeit
Aktualisiert: 22. Jan. 2024
Dario Argento is considered a luminary in the field of horror cinema and has carved out a distinctive niche for himself that goes beyond traditional horror films. Known for his unparalleled contributions to the genre, Argento's influence extends beyond mere scares and enters the realm of aesthetic mastery. In this post I will take you on a journey to uncover the ingenious methods Argento used to elevate horror and transform it into a visually enchanting and emotionally impactful experience. From his early forays into filmmaking to his enduring influence on contemporary horror, we delve into the cinematic labyrinth that is Dario Argento's artistic output.
Argento, the Italian master of horror, emerged as a key figure in the genre and earned recognition for his distinctive style and contributions to giallo cinema. Argento was born in Rome on September 7, 1940 and with his own vampire-esque appearance seemed destined to embark on a cinematic journey that would shape the nature of horror. Giallo, a genre characterized by a mix of crime, mystery and psychological thriller elements, found its torchbearer in Argento. His mastery of combining suspense, vivid images, and chilling narratives earned him unparalleled status in the world of horror filmmaking.
Dario Argento's journey into the world of horror was influenced by his early life and diverse experiences. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the film industry – his father, Salvatore Argento, was a film producer – Dario was immersed in the magic of cinema from a young age. His exploration of different genres laid the foundation for his diverse storytelling.
Initially Argento was busy writing screenplays, but later switched to directing and made his debut in 1970 with “The Bird with the Crystal Plumage”. This transition marked the beginning of his exploration into horror, where he quickly gained recognition for his unique vision. Argento's style, characterized by vivid images and innovative camera techniques, sets him apart. His ability to transform everyday scenes into visually stunning spectacles demonstrated an early inclination towards creating an immersive aesthetic experience and foreshadowed his later influence on the horror genre.
Dario Argento's contribution to horror goes beyond storytelling; It delves into the realm of visual aesthetics, particularly through its masterful use of vibrant and surreal colors. One of the most vivid examples of this can be found in his most famous film “Suspiria”.
In “Suspiria,” Argento uses a Technicolor palette that is both fascinating and unsettling. The film unfolds in a kaleidoscope of reds, blues and greens, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that transcends traditional horror settings. One of the first scene where a girl gets murdered in her own retro-pop house, is saturated with intense color that immediately create an unsettling tone but at the same time have such a visual appeal that is very atypical for standard horror. Every color in this movie is extremely intense and vibrant, where for the sake of aesthetic, realism and shock-factor is secondary, as even the blood used in his movies is bright red and far from giving off a realistic look. This conscious choice transforms an everyday environment into a nightmarish dreamscape and sets him apart from other Horror directors who often focus on creating ugly and terrifying environments with props that look as real and shocking as possible. But for Argento aesthetic stand above scare.
The impact of Argento's color choices on audience perception is profound. The use of bold tones heightens the emotional intensity and immerses the viewer in an unsettling sensory experience. The bright colors are no longer just aesthetic; They become an integral part of the narrative and shape the audience's emotional journey. As the protagonist navigates a dance academy filled with supernatural events, the colors guide the viewer, signaling impending terror or moments of eerie calm. The colors become a quintessential part of the story through the emotions they convey.
Beyond “Suspiria,” Argento consistently used a rich color palette in various films such as “Deep Red” and “Inferno,” experimenting with hues each time to evoke different emotions. This unique approach not only solidifies Argento's signature style, but also elevates horror cinema by demonstrating the power of color as a storytelling device.
However, Argento's directing talent goes beyond his stunning and colorful visuals; It is closely linked to his conscious use of architecture as an element of storytelling. His films are characterized by a meticulous attention to detail in the selection of locations, making them integral parts of the narrative. Examining famous locations from films like “Suspiria” and “Tenebrae” reveals the depth of Argento’s architectural nightmares.
In “Suspiria,” the ballet academy in which majority of the film is set, becomes a character in the horror story itself. The Academy's grand yet ominous architecture reflects the twisted secrets hidden within its walls. Intricate details like the intricately designed interiors and labyrinthine corridors add to the overarching sense of dread. The architecture, combined with Argento's vibrant color palette, creates an immersive experience where the setting becomes part of the horror unfolding on screen.
In "Deep Red", architecture plays a crucial role in enhancing the psychological horror. The film's exploration of hidden truths and hidden memories is reflected in the haunting locations, particularly the eerie ghost house. The architecture becomes an extension of the characters' minds, with its winding staircases and claustrophobic rooms reflecting the unraveling mysteries, as well as the use of windows that work like a direct look through the characters eyes. Through his careful choice of locations, Argento weaves an intricate dance between the characters and the spaces they inhabit.
Another central piece to Argento's transformation of horror into an aesthetic spectacle is his profound collaboration with composers, most notably the iconic band "Goblin". The fusion of haunting visuals with evocative musical scores elevates Argento's films to an unparalleled realm of cinematic horror.
Goblin's scores, marked by progressive rock and electronic elements, became synonymous with Argento's work. In films such as "Suspiria" and "Tenebre", the dissonant and pulsating music serves as a character in itself. The eerie melodies and unconventional soundscape enhance the atmosphere, creating an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
In "Suspiria," Goblin's score is an integral part of the film's identity. The juxtaposition of vibrant colors with the haunting musical composition intensifies the emotional impact. The music doesn't merely accompany the visuals; it dances with them, creating a synchronized experience that blurs the lines between sight and sound. The collaboration extends beyond mere accompaniment, with music becoming an active participant in shaping the narrative's tone and pacing.
The synergy between visuals and music in Argento's films is a testament to the director's mastery in utilizing multiple artistic elements. Goblin's scores don't merely underscore the horror on screen; they define it, becoming a pivotal element in the overall aesthetic. This is such an unconventional choice for a Horror movie, going away from creating the most anxiety-inducing and hair raising to towards creating an extremely unique one that underlines the overall aesthetic approach to Argento's movies, once again working as proof that he is putting aesthetic above scare. The dance of death unfolds not only in the actions of characters but in the orchestrated harmony of visuals and music, captivating audiences in a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.
However, Argento's mastery extends beyond visual and auditory elements; he subverts traditional horror conventions through groundbreaking narrative techniques and unconventional character portrayals as well. In films like "Deep Red" and "Tenebre", Argento reshapes the very essence of horror storytelling.
Argento's narratives deviate from predictable paths, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. In "Deep Red," the unfolding mystery takes unexpected turns, defying the conventional whodunit structure. The director employs intricate plot structures that challenge viewers to engage actively in the storytelling process. This departure from the norm adds layers of complexity to the horror experience, prompting audiences to unravel the mysteries alongside the characters.
Character arcs in Argento's films are equally unconventional. Unlike typical horror archetypes, his characters possess depth and nuance. "Tenebre" introduces a protagonist who is undergoing an intense and shocking transformation throughout the movie and turns from being the haunted into being the hunter he prophesied himself in an adrenaline-filled and twisted finale. This departure from stereotypes enhances the suspense, as the audience cannot rely on preconceived notions about character fates.
Argento's deliberate choice to subvert established norms creates an intellectual and emotional engagement that extends beyond the visceral scares. By challenging traditional horror narratives and characterizations, he invites audiences into a realm where uncertainty reigns, making the cinematic journey as unpredictable as it is terrifying.
Dario Argento's influence extends far beyond his individual films; He significantly shaped the giallo subgenre and left an indelible mark on the broader horror landscape.
In the field of giallo, Argento's contributions are fundamental. His innovative use of suspense, vivid images, and intricate narratives set the standard for the genre. The term “giallo” itself, derived from the Italian word for yellow, has its cinematic roots in the yellow-covered pulp novels that inspired Argento’s early works.
The impact of Argento's aesthetic choices is reflected in the works of later horror filmmakers. Directors such as Guillermo del Toro, Nicolas Winding Refn and the Coen Brothers have acknowledged Argento's influence on their own cinematic endeavors. His signature blend of stylish horror and psychological suspense has become a source of inspiration for those seeking to push the boundaries of traditional genre filmmaking.
Argento's legacy is not limited to any particular era; Contemporary directors continue to benefit from his innovative approach. The giallo maestro's influence on the horror genre remains palpable, and his artistic fingerprint is visible in the works of those who continue to explore the exciting and visually stunning possibilities of horror cinema.
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Here you can go to a collection of my favorite Dario Argento movies:
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