Here’s a review of a movie that has quite possibly one of the most ridiculously long names ever, Your Vice Is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key.  This film is under the horror sub-genre known as the "giallo".  Giallo is translated as "yellow" in Italian, coming from a group of  "whodunit" crime fiction books published in the 1920’s and 1930’s, known for their yellow covers.  However, in the 1960’s and 1970’s, the giallo sub-genre of film appeared, and brought with it highly stylized Italian "whodunit" films of their own.  These films combined amazing cinematography, mysterious killers with mysterious motives, and Euro sexiness cranked up to 10.  This is quite easily my favorite sub-genre of horror, and the following film is a great example of a top tier giallo:

This film is directed by Sergio Martino, who in my opinion is extremely underrated.  When talking about the genre, many will cite Dario Argento, Mario Bava, and perhaps even Lucio Fulci as the pioneers.  However, Martino has directed several fine films in his own right, including The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh, The Case of the Scorpion’s Tail, and Torso.  Your Vice.. is a bit different than your "average" giallo, due to its rural setting (most giallo’s take place in cities).  I should also point out that this film is put out by an amazing DVD label, NoShame Films. Lets start off with the plot for this oversexed Italian thriller:

The Plot:

The film starts out with some sort of hippie orgy of sorts at the mansion of writer Oliviero Rouvigny.  Enter Oliviero’s wife, Irina, who is soon violated by her husband in front of the young folk.  This sets the tone for Oliviero’s abusive relationship with his wife due to his recent slump as a writer and the pressure he puts on himself.  Oliviero is also having an affair with a young mistress, however when his mistress is found murdered, he is soon the prime suspect.  Soon after, his maid is also found murdered and he decides that he must hide the body to avoid any further police presence.  During this time him and his wife are payed a surprise visit by Floriana, Oliviero’s niece (played by the beautiful Edwige Fenech).  What business does she have at the mansion?  Who is behind these killings?  Who is the mysterious man watching this all transpire?  How come more movies don’t have awesome lesbian scenes like this one?

The DVD:

•  Image
  • Despite the fact that the film was released in 1972, NoShame did an amazing job with the transfer. One of the best of the genre in my opinion. Presented in widescreen 1.85:1  8.5 out of 10

• Sound
  • Presented in its original Mono soundtrack, both in Italian and English.  Not too shabby for the film’s age.  7 out of 10

• Extras
  • An interview segment with the director, screenwriter, and Edwige Fenech presented in Italian along with some trailers and a still gallery.  Didn’t find the interview to be all that interesting, but considering the obscurity of this film, I can’t complain.  7 out of 10

The Bottom Line:

At one point, I ranked this in my top three giallo’s of all time.  After a re-evaluation, I realize that I still do love this film, but I wasn’t as wowed by it after numerous viewings.  Still, its an excellent example of the genre, and it has enough twists and turns to put most thriller type films to shame (although some of the twists can be nonsensical for the uninitiated).  I love the rural setting, and the cinematography is pretty amazing as well.  For anyone interested in Euro cinema, or the giallo sub-genre in general, give this one a whirl.

7.5 out of 10

Technorati Tags: Horror, Giallo, DVD, Review