Il mostro di Firenze

I very much enjoyed this hard to find and much underrated film. I note that my print is somewhat longer than the running time generally quoted, so it is likely that there are heavily cut versions available and that might well affect the viewing pleasure, however uncomfortable. Bit late for a giallo and although it has many of the ingredients, this is based upon a true (still unsolved) true story and has an orchestral soundtrack much more somber than any giallo. Pretty sleazy stuff with some astonishing and creepy moments. Almost all the killings are by the gun but its all the dragging across the ground, the subsequent mutilations and the very fact that all victims are having sex in cars are what give this the giallo feel. Plus there is much, not unreasonable speculation as to the profile of the killer and this takes us into familiar Freudian territory, so much the preserve of Italian thrillers. Really well done with decent balance between shock/horror and serious consideration.