4 Mosche Di Velluto Grigio (aka Four Flies On Grey Velvet) (1971)

A drummer (Michael Brandon) in a rock band is being stalked by a mysterious stranger (Calisto Calisti). When he eventually confronts the stranger, they fight and the stranger is accidentally killed. But someone photographed the killing and is now taunting him. Just what do they want and why? Written and directed by Dario Argento, this is the final entry in his "animal" trilogy coming after BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE and CAT O'NINE TAILS. It's easily the weakest of the three gialli and indeed, one of Argento's weakest films. With one exception, the suspense factor is feeble and the two leads, Brandon and Mimsy Farmer as his wife, are uninteresting actors. The one scene that stands out is Francine Racette hiding in a closet from the killer and her eventual murder. But aside from that, the narrative is disjointed and when everything is explained to us at the very end, it doesn't make up for the lack of structure. I get it that Argento's films are defined by his style but here it's just not enough to carry the film. Ennio Morricone's score is a mixed bag. With Bud Spencer and Jean Pierrre Marielle as a gay private detective. I like the idea of a gay private eye but it's a pity that Argento goes for the stereotype.