THE STENDHAL SYNDROME
Troma
2000

review by Beth Kattelman

"Art as a catalyst of terror," that's the premise of Dario Argento's The Stendahl Syndrome. In this atmospheric, brutal film, Asia Argento (Dario's daughter) plays the lead role of Anna Manni, a detective who is on the trail of a serial killer/rapist. Manni also suffers from a condition known as the "Stendahl Syndrome." People who suffer with the condition are said to experience great psychological trauma when in the presence of great works of art. It was named after the nineteenth-century writer who was said to have been so overwhelmed in an art gallery one day that he collapsed and had to be rushed to the hospital. Manni's manifestation of the condition is even more dangerous, however. When she experiences the Stendahl Syndrome she is actually drawn into the paintings and into the world of the serial killer whom she is stalking. Of course, the killer also becomes fascinated with Manni and begins stalking her. The movie follows the detective's plight as she becomes increasingly entangled in the killer's world while trying to retain her own sanity.

Asia Argento does a good job portraying this woman who slowly descends into madness. She brings a dreamy, trancelike quality to the role which blends well with the movie's atmosphere and theme. And Thomas Kretschmann is absolutely terrifying as the killer. I'm not really giving anything away here, because this movie isn't a "who done it." The film is an exploration of the psychological effect that occurs when one connects with a world of unimaginable torment and terror. In typical Argento fashion, the movie is filled with gruesome scenes and haunting, hypnotic music. Unfortunately, the story doesn't hold together as well as one would hope. The premise is intriguing but Argento's use of the "syndrome" seems more of a contrivance than a necessary plot element. It does, however, allow for some beautiful visual images and a couple of interesting plot twists.

The Stendahl Syndrome marks Argento's first foray into the use of digital special effects, with mixed results. There are some interesting images such as a slow-motion close up of a bullet passing through a woman's cheek, and a shot of pills actually travelling down an esophagus after being swallowed, but they don't really blend seamlessly enough into the rest of the film. The digital effects do work nicely, however, when they are used to animate the paintings.

As usual, Troma has done a great job in putting this DVD together. "Kudos" to them for presenting the film in its original full-length version and not subjecting it to the terrible editing inflicted on many Argento films released in the U.S. They have also included plenty of great extras, including two interviews with Argento, himself. All in all, this is not one of Dario Argento's best, but if you're a fan I think you'll still appreciate the atmosphere, camera work and intriguing premise of this film. For those of you not familiar with Argento, be forwarned, however. This is one intense film and if you can't take blood, violence and brutality, you should definitely steer clear of this one.

FEAR FACTOR: An extremely tense movie. Had my stomach in knots.---

BLOOD & GORE GAUGE: Very bloody and gory. It is Argento after all!---

COOLEST THING ABOUT THE DVD: Lloyd Kaufman's interview with Argento.---

TRIVIA TIDBIT: Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh were both up for the lead role before Asia Argento was chosen.---

BEST "OW, THAT'S GOTTA HURT" MOMENT: Lip sliced with razor blade. (This was a tough one to choose. There are a lot of nasty moments.)---

BEST QUOTE: This son-of-a-bitch isn't that different from my ex-husband. That pig. You know, the city's full of monsters.---

Official Website:
http://www.troma.com/

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