Deep Red (1975)

Deep Red (1975) is an Italian giallo film directed by Dario Argento. The story takes place over the course of two decades, beginning with a tragic incident at a family Christmas in 1956. Flash forward to Turin in 1975, where parapsychology professor Giordani hosts a conference featuring psychic medium Helga Ulmann. During the event, Helga is suddenly overwhelmed by the ‘twisted, perverted, murderous’ thoughts of someone in the audience. After confiding in Giordani about her suspicions, Helga becomes a victim herself when she is killed in her apartment later that night by an unknown assailant. Jazz pianist Marcus Daly happens to witness the murder from outside and rushes to Helga’s apartment to find her lifeless body.

Upon the arrival of the police, Marcus notices a painting has vanished from his apartment, but is unable to determine which one. He is later identified by the media as the sole witness and his photo is shown by reporter Gianna Brezzi. The following morning, he pays a visit to his friend Carlo, who is known for heavy drinking, but only finds his strange mother Martha who takes an interest in him. Later that night, the perpetrator plays a recording of a child’s song outside Marcus’s door; he quickly locks it before hearing a harsh whisper stating “I’ll kill you sooner or later.” Overwhelmed with guilt for putting him in danger by taking his photo, Gianna offers her assistance in Marcus’s investigation.