CONCERTO PER PISTOLA SOLISTA (1970)
aka The Weekend Murders
Article 3377 by Dave Sindelar
Viewing Date: 9-30-2010
Posting Date: 11-12-2010
Directed by Michele Lupo
Featuring Anna Moffo, Ida Galli, Gastone Moschin
Country: Italy
What it is: Giallo comedy

A group of heirs gather for the reading of a will. Afterwards, someone begins knocking them off one by one.

My copy of this movie was in unsubtitled Italian, but the odd thing is that, despite it being an Italian movie in its native language, it looks dubbed; the words and the lips don’t quite sync up. Nevertheless, the point is that, since I don’t understand Italian, I can’t give any real analysis of the story here. However, I can say this much; for a movie I watched in a language I don’t understand, I was able to follow the gist of many of the scenes. Partly this is because it’s made out of some familiar elements; it is essentially an “old dark house” giallo. Another reason it’s easier to follow is that much of the action is told visually; this is especially true when the movie emphasizes the comedy. Actually, this may be the first comic giallo I’ve seen, and it’s rather unexpected; I didn’t think the giallo form would really lend itself to the humor. I think it works because it’s shot with a sense of style that dovetails nicely with the humor; certain arty shots and editing emphasize the comedy rather than undermine it. So, despite the fact that I had trouble following it, I did find myself consistently amused, and ended up enjoying the movie. I also have to admit that I like the admittedly over-the-top score, especially the use of a Tchaikovsky piece; the last time I heard gunshots used in a piece of classical music was when it was being performed by Spike Jones.

P.S. Shortly after I watched this one, I discovered that it had been released in this country, most likely with English dubbing or subtitles. Talk about bad timing. Still, I may pick it up, and if I do, I’ll re-review it.