A relatively
unknown film from the legendary Italian director Dino Risi, but don't
let its obscurity keep you from experiencing its power and fright. Based
loosely on the world-famous Robert Louis Stevens story (yes, that one),
here is a gothic mystery set in the decaying city of Venice. Some critics
say it reminds them of RESIDENCIA
(House that Screamed), but as good as that film may be, this one
- with the high quality acting and production values - is even better.
Dino Risi made this motion picture right after his award-winning "Scent
of a Woman" but the horrific element this time seemed to keep it
from enjoying a major release. It ran for a short period in the United
States under the title FORBIDDEN ROOM
A young
man has come to Venice to attend a prestigious art school and live with
his aunt and uncle. It soon becomes obvious that all is not quite right
with the couple, and the mystery deepens as the young man begins hearing
strange, frightening noises at night. Before long he decides to ignore
firm instructions to the contrary and climb the 'forbidden' stairway
to checkout the mysterious room at the top. To his surprise, someone
seems to be living upstairs... but that's only the beginning of the
shocking story.
An
Italian film with English subtitles; widescreen format, totally uncut
version (100 min.), DVD encoded for ALL REGION NTSC, playable on any American
machine. Extras include trailers.
