Christmas came early back in December of 2018 or did Halloween come late? The 1920's revival theater within walking distance of my house (shout out to the
Byrd Theater) was hosting Goblin (well some of the original members) to live score their 1977 soundtrack to Suspiria. Would this be a popular event I asked myself? Am I the crazy one that can't wait for this to happen? As mentioned in an earlier post, my crowd estimation skills are not sensei-like but this event was a sell out.
I had only seen Suspiria on the big screen once before. It was a year prior at the IFC Center in Greenwich Village at a midnight screening celebrating it's 30 year anniversary. Not taking away from the films's frights, but the walk to the film center may have been scarier than the movie that night. Oh yes, another film was also being played at this witching hour...1988's Tom Cruise classic,
Cocktail. What was the occasion for this? No idea but I love the randomness. As much as I appreciate "Cocktails and Dreams" and the hit song from "some of The Beach Boys" including a pink tank topped Uncle Jesse himself, Mr. John Stamos on drums..it was an easy choice.
If you're not familiar with the film, Tom Cruise is a business student paying his way through college while mastering circus like bartending techniques....Whoops, let's get back to Suspiria.
This Dario Argento giallo classic follows an America ballet dancer who heads to Germany to attend a prestigious dance academy which happens to be run by witches. That's about all you need to know. The cinematography is mesmerizing and the soundtrack is infectious. Goblin scored a few Argento films (check out Deep Red if you dig this one, it's funky as hell) I dare you to not get the main theme below out of your head after watching as it effortlessly weaves in and out of the film. Needless to say, Goblin live rocked and the movie lit up the soft red lighted historic movie house like a piece of blood splattered art. Hard to believe the spooky season is almost over but this move would be a great way to cap off your October viewings. I've seen the 2018 remake and while it's an interesting movie on it's own, I'd save that one for a later day and recommend you check out Mr. Argento's classic first. Merry Christmas and Happy Halloween!
