"Sometimes you just get suspicious of everyone." - Priest
A small town is trying to find a child killer.
Starring: Tomas Milian, Barbara Bouchet, Florinda Bolkin, Antonello Campodifiori, Virgilio Gazzolo
Link to IMDB
Tragedy has struck the small Italian town of Accendura, as a young boy has gone missing. The police Commissioner and Inspector are quickly on the case, and it's not long before a local simpleton becomes the prime suspect. But after the boy's body is found, and other young boys start going missing, the police realize the killer is still at large and there are many people that could have been involved.
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| Patrizia Inspector Priest |
There are quite a few characters introduced as we learn about who lives in the town. There's the saucy rich lady Patrizia, a Priest, an eager reporter named Andrea, and a mysterious woman that still practices old magic, named Maciara.
Almost all of the locals are under suspicion, and the police are diligent in their efforts to find the killer, which creates a thick atmosphere of tension and fear over the small town.
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| Andrea Maciara Commisioner |
Since this is a Lucio Fulci film, I was expecting a typical giallo plot line with lots of murder, but instead this is much more of a "who done it" thriller that remains grounded in reality. The plot can move quite slow at times, but it's done so methodically, letting the mystery unfold naturally as all the characters become increasingly confused and distrustful.
"A horrible crime, bred of ignorance and superstition." - Inspector
The killing of the children mostly happens off camera, so it doesn't feel exploitative at all. In fact, for a Fulci film there's not much blood, although a few shocking scenes of violence do occur.
The people of the town are desperate to get justice, and their superstitions and fear lead them to dangerous places. We become a witness to the chaos that can occur when everyone is struggling to make sense of the mystery that surrounds them.
The storytelling is a bit clumsy at times and some of the themes could have used more focus, but overall this is a pretty effective thriller with plenty of old-school Italian style.
Does the movie deliver on the Don't...
4 out 10
The title is mostly a metaphor. The reason gets revealed, but it feels too insubstantial to be used as the title.
Be sure not to miss:
- There's a scene here that must surely have inspired Tarantino when making the infamous torture
scene from Reservoir Dogs.
Internet review:
"It's a deeply troubling, effective, and oddly beautiful movie." - Mr. Anderson
Should I watch it?
Recommended.
Where can I find it?
Here on YouTube.
Don't Torture a Duckling gets...
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