Cold Eyes of Fear

Don't let the title fool you, this is not really a giallo. Instead, it's a thriller that could work as a stage play as it takes place mostly in two locations, features a very small cast and a lot of dialogue. Spaghetti western star Garko plays against type but it's Frank Wolff who steals the show. Director Castellari keeps things interesting with clever shots and cuts. Trippy Morricone score helps too.

Contrary to expectations not a giallo but a more standard thriller. Set primarily in just two locations, mostly the house and the uncle’s office, this had the making for a good thriller. Problem is that the movie is totally unsuspenseful and tedious. Even a in form Frank Wolff can’t make up for that. It has some typical Italian 70s frenetic zooming and cutting in some scenes, which doesn’t fit the content at all.

This is saved by some delightful, wild, frenetic editing in certain scenes - Castellari is good at this. Rather tame otherwise. The treatment of the plot feels uninspired and bear no kindsa fruits, and the film merely becomes an uninteresting crime flick with certain formal qualities.