Casa dalle finestre che ridono, La (1976)Pupi Avati First Viewing Stefano a restorer of old paintings and frescos is commissioned to try and save a disturbing fresco of the suffering of Saint Sebastian by the apparently mentally disturbed artist Legnani
.known locally as the The painter of Agony because of Legnani's penchant for painting people in the throws of death.. After visiting the fresco in the local church which boasts scenes of real pain and agony Stefano is drawn into an increasingly nightmarish community of strange characters and soon finds his presence is not really wanted in this sleepy village which seems to be hiding some dark secret. Avati's film would seem to mirror American and Italian fear and perception that all things from the south are not quite right. Right from the start I was creeped out by this film
..the opening credits are very eerie with their scenes of torture and the really disturbing chanting male voice that accompanies them
.They are immediately followed by scenes of Stefano arriving in the village to bright sunshine and very beautiful countryside
a very extreme contrast indeed but it works. There is a real sense of foreboding in this film which crawls along at a very slow pace
..You just know something nasty is just around the corner.Tomassi's superb score adds to the building dread.... This is one of those films that has you still talking about it days after you have seen it. To say too much about the plot might ruin it for others
If you like fast paced thrillers/slashers
stay well clear of this film...but if you like the slow build up of atmosphere tension and dread then go get this movie today.
