Opera (1987)

Opera (1987) is a renowned Italian giallo, co-written and directed by Dario Argento. The story follows Mara Cecova, the lead in an innovative performance of Verdi’s Macbeth at the Parma Opera House. During a heated disagreement with the director outside the theater, Cecova is tragically struck by a car and left injured. In her place, the young understudy Betty steps into the role of Lady Macbeth. Despite her initial hesitation, Betty’s debut proves to be a triumph. However, on the night of her opening, an unknown individual sneaks into the opera house and watches her performance from an unoccupied box. When he is discovered by a stagehand, he viciously murders him using a coat hook. Later that evening at her boyfriend Stefano’s apartment, Betty is attacked and overpowered by this same assailant.

He forcibly tapes her mouth shut and binds her to a post, making her watch as he brutally kills Stefano while securing needles beneath her eyes to ensure she witnesses his demise. Following the masked killer’s swift escape, Betty is left shaken and recalls a traumatic memory from her past involving this same individual murdering her mother. Seeking solace, she confides in Marco, her director, about potentially being known by the killer. Despite the severity of the situation, Betty chooses not to involve the police. The following day, Inspector Alan Santini questions the opera house staff regarding Stefano’s murder and another alarming incident involving several ravens that were found dead after the production. Later that day, Betty meets with Giulia, the wardrobe seamstress, to mend her slashed costume.