The Card Player
From The Master Of Horror Dario Argento
Director Dario Argento (Tenebre, Inferno) returns to classic form with his vicious thriller about a serial killer who taunts police with online video poker. But for every round the cops lose, a kidnapped young girl is mutilated live via web cam. Now an Italian detective (Stefania Rocca of The Talented Mr. Ripley) and an Irish forensics expert (Liam Cunningham of Dog Soldiers) must race against time to trap a maniac. From computer screens to crime scenes, the games have begun. The stakes are murder. And the hunt is on for the psychopath known only as The Card Player.
Member Reviews
I'm All In! - ezza
The Card Player delivers in this original idea and fantastic Dario Argento film! In a surprisingly chilling plot, the movie takes place with a series of characters investigating a series of murders by "The Card Player". The murders begin to add up pushing the investigators to find any means necessary to stop this serial killer, even if that means putting their own life on the line. This movie is filled with twists in the plot, which is what makes this movie so interesting and fun to watch. Keep your eyes glued to the tv or you will wish you never took them off!Giallo goes on-line - Coconut_Willy
Dario Argento has to be one my favorite directors so this review cannot be completely objective. The storyline is good, the acting is appropriate, nice sets and pretty good photography. As always with Argento, music has an important place throughout the movie. It's true that the lighting is more subdued than in a lot of his movies but a few scenes still have the brilliant colors that he has accustomed the viewer to. Many elements of this movie brought back memories of Profondo Rosso and it would not surprise me if it was intentional. The transfer to DVD is very good but that would be expected with a relatively recent movie.
Only two things were, in my opinion, annoying; first, I guessed rather early in the movie who the bad guy was and second, being a computer geek myself, I found the technical parts of this movie a bit unrealistic. Still, a very good entertainment value.Il Cartaio a metaphor for life? - Argentophile
Shot in English, The Card Player (Il Cartaio), takes the Argento classic Giallo to a new level. With the use of natural light rather than his usual stylish lighting brings a realistic feel to film. Argento challenges himself by limiting the blood and increasing the tension with lots of violence but having it mostly off screen. Originally slated as a sequel to The Stendhal Syndrome (1996) it was supposed to star Dario’s beautiful daughter Asia Argento once again but she gracefully bowed out as the story evolved and her career blossomed.
The Card Player starts with Anna Mary an Italian detective receiving an email from a serial killer challenging the police to a game of cards, the stakes: a woman’s life. The plot weaves in and out through Rome as we search for the killer. As usual Argento moves the camera as only he can do it, drawing you deeper into this cruel world, but restraining himself to create a fuller reality in this film. There are plenty of problems with this movie, but there are far more wonderful qualities to note. Especially with Composer Claudio Simonetti (Deep Red, Suspiria, Sleepless) providing one of his personal best scores.
The Card Player is a must see for any Argento fan or any fan of the thriller genre! Argento continues to expand his ability for filmmaking while exploring deeper in the genre he loves (and pretty much created) Giallo. Overall Il Cartaio is a wonderfully fun ride! And I can’t wait till we can see his next! Thank you Dario Argento for letting us into your Dark Dreams!
Member Reviews
Read All...
I'm All In! - ezza
The Card Player delivers in this original idea and fantastic Dario Argento film! In a surprisingly chilling plot, the movie takes place with a series of characters investigating a series of murders by "The Card Player". The murders begin to add up pushing ...Giallo goes on-line - Coconut_Willy
Dario Argento has to be one my favorite directors so this review cannot be completely objective. The storyline is good, the acting is appropriate, nice sets and pretty good photography. As always with Argento, music has an important place throughout the movie. ...Il Cartaio a metaphor for life? - Argentophile
Shot in English, The Card Player (Il Cartaio), takes the Argento classic Giallo to a new level. With the use of natural light rather than his usual stylish lighting brings a realistic feel to film. Argento challenges himself by limiting the blood and increasing ...