The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970)

The giallo film, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970), marks Dario Argento’s directorial debut. It follows Sam Dalmas, an American writer on holiday in Rome with his English model girlfriend, Julia, in an attempt to overcome writer’s block before their impending return to the United States. During a walk home one evening, Sam witnesses a woman being assaulted by a figure dressed in black raincoat and gloves within an art gallery. He tries to intervene but becomes trapped between the gallery’s glass doors as the attacker flees. Monica Ranieri, wife of the gallery owner Alberto Ranieri, survives the attack and local authorities take Sam’s passport to prevent him from leaving the country.

The suspected serial killer has claimed the lives of three young women in different parts of the city. Sam, who was present at one of the crime scenes, is eager to assist Inspector Morosini in his search for answers. Haunted by what he witnessed, Sam feels there may be crucial information eluding him. He takes matters into his own hands and heads to an antique shop where the first victim worked. While there, he makes a chilling discovery – the last item sold before her death was a painting depicting a man in a raincoat stabbing a woman in a snowy landscape. The killer then contacts Sam at home and threatens to harm another victim unless he stops interfering with the investigation. In response, Sam secretly records the conversation.