Sam Dalmas (Tony Musante), a struggling American writer visiting Italy happens to witness an assault on a woman. She survives, but he's pulled into the investigation by the police, who confiscate his passport so he won't be able to flee. It isn't long before he's become obsessed with finding the killer, bringing his/her wrath on both him and his Italian girlfriend Julia (Suzy Kendall).
Dario Argento's directorial debut remains one of his best works. It establishes themes he would continue to explore with Deep Reed (or Profondo Rosso). Plumage is definitely expertly directed, and Argento plays with camerawork a good deal here (with assistance from cinematographer Vitorrio Storaro). This film plays host to some of Argebto's most memorable scenes including an elevator death (where the killer slashes out at the audience ala Psycho. Argento was most clearly influenced by Hitchcock in his early work), and one where someone falls to their death, among others. The score by master Ennio Morricone is sweet as well, managing to be pretty creepy and establishing the tone for the film throughout.
The mystery here is intriguing, and you can't help but feel yourself pulled deeper into the intrigue and mystique along with our protagonist. That said, the plot does stretch believability at times. I didn't buy Sam's obsession with the crime, and it's hard to believe that the police would encourage a layman to play detective. There is also a surprising lack of blood or gore, as the focus is purely on building suspense and mystery, and messing a little bit with audience's minds. This film takes itself pretty seriously, despite some unintended silliness here and there. Plumage also looks consistently pretty, and it's hard not to find yourself falling under it's spell.
In the end, while I can't say that The Bird With The Crystal Plumage is the best giallo or even Argento's best work, it is still a very memorable, fun, and freaky film.
4.5 STARS
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