Retro Film Review: The Stendhal Syndrome (La sindrome di Stendhal, 1996)
When asked about great horror film makers, average person would probably mention the names of John Carpenter or Wes Craven. Real connoisseurs of the genre would mention Dario Argento, Italian director whose opus includes many cult titles, but who is relatively unknown outside the world cinema ghetto. Ironically, his daughter Asia is better known among general public thanks to her role of Vin Diesel's partner in XXX. Before becoming international star, Asia learned her acting trade by appearing in her father's films. One of those was The Stendahl Syndrome, 1996 Italian horror film.
In this film Asia Argento plays young woman who comes to Uffizi Museum in Florence and succumbs to "Stendhal Syndrome" – temporary psychosis first diagnosed in 1982 and named after 19th Century French novelist who had experienced it while visiting Florence. Person affected by "Stendhal Syndrome" suffers from bizarre hallucinations while being exposed to the works of art. In this case hallucinations are followed by amnesia, but the young woman receives help from Alberto (played by Thomas Kretschmann), kind-hearted young man. In a hotel room young woman finally remembers who she really is - Anna Manni, police inspector investigating series of brutal rapes and murders. The truth is even more horrifying - Alberto is not only the maniac Anna was after, but he also raped her and later manipulated her memories. This is all just the beginning of the horrific events in which Anna would gradually lose ability to set fantasy from reality.
The Stendahl Syndrome has something which is rare in horror genre these days – an original concept. Those viewers accustomed to Hollywood horror films would also appreciate exotic locations of Italy with beauty that often represents huge contrast to the ugliness and graphic violence in movie's plot. Argento uses this opportunity to reward his fans with couple of original images, while his daughter handles her extremely complex and difficult role with great confidence. Unfortunately, the ending of the film is quite predictable and monotonous musical score by Ennio Morricone doesn't help much with the atmosphere. Because of that, The Stendahl Syndrome is disappointment that could be recommended only to the biggest fans of Dario Argento's opus.
RATING: 4/10 (+)
(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on September 26th 2003)
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Critic: AA