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Opera is a classic horror movie that was directed by Dario Argento and was released in 1987. The film is a combination of gory horror and dramatic kills, with a strong emphasis on suspense and psychological drama. The movie follows the story of a young opera singer, Betty (played by Cristina Marsillach), who is the understudy for a famous opera singer, MacFarlane (Ian Charleson). When she is forced to take the lead role in an opera, she finds herself the target of a crazed and obsessed fan, who uses her performances as opportunities to kill her friends and colleagues.

The movie starts off with a bang, opening with an intense sequence involving the filming of the opera, complete with amazing shots of the stage, the performers, and the audience. The camera moves around the stage, showing us various characters, all of whom are wearing masks, except for Betty. As the show progresses, we see that Betty is not entirely comfortable on the stage, despite her talent. In fact, she has a phobia, caused by a traumatic event from her childhood, of being tied up and unable to escape.

As the movie progresses, it becomes clear that MacFarlane is the victim of a mysterious assailant who leaves a trail of dead bodies in his wake. As an investigation gets underway, Betty becomes the target of the killer, who forces her to watch as he kills her friends and co-workers, one by one. The suspense and tension in the movie build up gradually, with each new murder adding another layer of fear and paranoia.

The performances in the movie are noteworthy, especially Cristina Marsillach, who plays the naive, vulnerable but talented Betty perfectly. Ian Charleson is also notable, as the troubled and paranoid MacFarlane. The supporting cast, which includes Urbano Barberini, William McNamara, and the legendary Italian actress, Daria Nicolodi, also add to the movie’s appeal.

The makeup and special effects used in the movie are top-notch, adding to the gruesome nature of the murders. The movie's cinematography is also worth mentioning, with Argento employing unusual camera angles and various colors to create a surreal and disorienting atmosphere. The film's soundtrack, composed by Argento himself, is also excellent, with the eerie and unsettling music adding to the film's dark and ominous feel.

Opera is not your typical horror movie, as it blends elements of drama, mystery, and suspense into the story. Although the movie is violent and gruesome, it is not just a gore-fest, but uses the murders as an essential part of the plot, leaving the audience feeling disturbed and uneasy. The movie is not afraid to delve into the psychological aspects of its characters, making it a more complex and immersive experience.

In conclusion, Opera is a classic horror movie that is well worth watching, especially for fans of Italian horror movies. The film has a strong storyline, excellent acting, and a great soundtrack. The movie adds another layer of suspense by keeping the identity of the killer a mystery until the end, keeping the viewer engaged throughout. Overall, Opera is a highly recommended watch for those looking for a unique and psychologically engaging horror movie experience.

Opera is a 1987 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 68.