Gothic, Giallo, Gore: Masters of Italian Horror

Overview

When Dario Argento, Mario Bava and Lucio Fulci turned celluloid dreams into nightmares, they did so in vivid, visceral, blood-splattering fashion — and helped shape an entire genre, giallo, in the process. Whether taking on witches and zombies, depicting murders by literary fans and attacks at art galleries, or stepping into sinister and supernatural territory, the three influential Italian filmmakers transformed stylised horror cinema into art.

Their output sits at the centre of the Gallery of Modern Art's Gothic, Giallo, Gore: Masters of Italian Horror program, Brisbane Festival's nod to the kind of frightening flicks that other horror movies want to be when they grow up. Come for '60s, '70s and '80s masterworks such as Argento's Deep Red and Tenebrae, Bava's Blood and Black Lace and A Bay of Blood, and Fulci's Zombi 2 and The House by the Cemetery. Stay for a masterclass in unnerving filmmaking.

If you're eager for an extra special treat, here's two: one for your tastebuds, and one for your eyes and ears. Firstly, Gelato Messina's Smooth Criminal chocolate gelato bars will be on offer at GOMA for the duration of the season. Secondly, giallo classic Suspiria has its very own session at The Tivoli, with Claudio Simonetti's Goblin coming over from Italy to play their iconic score live.