Review of The Stendhal Syndrome

This is truly excellent and I really cannot understand why some Argento fans cannot enjoy it. The concept upon which it is based is fascinating in itself and well conveyed here with thrilling sequences. The bright and colourful early scenes contrast with the much darker ones to come and the Morricone score is the ideal accompaniment. Whilst Asia Argento is not particularly convincing as a cop, clearly her father is not interested in this angle, she is fantastic otherwise. The film slows a little mid-way through the second half but then Asia is being asked to carry the film on her own at times and it is some ask. She does well enough even in the lesser moments, however, and overall this must be her finest performance. It is not her father's greatest film but it is surely up there as one of his most exciting and involving ventures. Marvellous.