Too much of everything

Powerful

One of my all time favorites.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

I was bowled over by this television movie which was rich enough to have a theatrical release internationally IMHO. As an unabashed fan of director Michele Soavi's, I had high hopes he would turn out a suspenseful movie full of his bravura cinematic touches - and this didn't disappoint. All I can say, as I don't want any spoilers, is that this movie is terribly creepy as it follows the path of a serial killer who is played with unforgettable calmness and cruelty by Carlo Cecchi. The set pieces of murder and attempts at entrapment are ones Argento would envy. Everything is working hard here, the beautiful photography, rich in its constantly moving arcs and color, the editing by Anna Napoli creating a dramatic tension, the music which underscores the drama and a tight script. It is at once terrifying, sad and very real. The scenes of the killer gambling in the casino are especially remarkable. The movie is not for the faint of heart, however. Not because of any blood and guts, slasher style, but because of the carefully built suspense and the eerie and scary characterization and heartless actions of the serial killer.