The Giallo Score : The Crimes of the Black Cat

1972

Giallo Score

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us title: The Crimes of the Black Cat

italian title: Sette scialli di seta gialla

year: 1972

director: Sergio Pastore

composer: Manuel De Sica

full details: IMDB

overall score: 88

Recommedation: Entertaining
Nothing ground breaking here, but a fun time nonetheless.

WARNING: Spoilers Below

score analysis

One of the great things about the Giallo genre is its ability to include films from relatively unknown filmmakers. By 1972 the Giallo format was well established and popular, and although some directors were pushing the boundries of the genre's conventions, many more were simply riding the wave of momentum that the early Giallo filmmakers set in motion. This is not necessarilly a bad thing, so long as the film is entertaining enough on its own despite its tendency to recycle the genre conventions and not introduce anything new.

The Crimes of the Black Cat is a good example of this. If it weren't for the difference in location (Denmark instead of Italy) and choice of composer (Manuel De Sica instead of Morricone/Nicolai), the film would rate higher than Four Flies on Grey Velvet or What Have You Done to Solange? on the Giallo Score. But there's also the issue that director Sergio Pastore is virtually unknown for anything other than this film and the Giallo Score deducts points for "one-hit-wonder" Giallo filmmakers.

But even though the film borrows liberally from previously successful Gialli, it still does a great job of entertaining its audience. Of particular interest is the murder method involving a cat with it's claws dipped in curare! And of course there's the usual assortment of scantily clad models, elaborate murder sequences, red herrings, plot twists and an enjoyable soundtrack. All of which combine to deliver an experience that on the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

score breakdown

Staples : 55/60

Italian Director 10 points

Hidden Identity 10 points

Black Gloves 5 points

Ameteur Detective 5 points

Classic Period (1970 - 1975) 5 points

Motivation: Psychological Trauma/Revenge 10 points

Avoid Capture: Acciental Death/Suicide 10 points

Standards : 24/30

Body Count >= 3 4 points

Flashback Revelation 3 points

Mistaken Identity 2 points

More than one killer or accomplice 4 points

Nude Scene >= 1 3 points

Suspects >= 3 4 points

Urban Location 4 points

Signatures : 9/10

Animal, Number or "Death" in title 1 points

Chase scene 1 points

Death from Falling 1 points

Dolls/Dummies 1 points

Gay/Lesbian 1 points

Odd Clue 1 points

Photography/Glamor/Modeling/Art 1 points

Spiral Stairs 1 points

Taunting 1 points

Total Points : 88/100

trailer

Published: 2012-10-15