"For centuries, theologians, philosophers, and poets have delved into the universe in search of proof of the existence of the devil. It would have sufficed to look into the depths of their own souls." This is some fascinating statement, don't you think? But, I suspect it is not taken from the classic "Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Rather, these are the words of Hieronimus A. Steinback, during the XVII Century, and they are precisely the ones used to open the enormously engrossing "Murder Obsession," an erotic, murder thriller that will keep you glued to your seat until the final credits.

Once we read the aforementioned quote, the film goes to a dramatic scene, in which a killer proceeds to strangle his lady victim. The scene is intense, as the assassin tries really hard to kill the woman. For our surprise, we suddenly hear, "Cut!", and realize that is was only a movie. However, Michael's (the actor, played by Stefano Patrizi) behavior worries his coworkers. Michael then decides to take a break from filming, and plans a trip to visit Glenda, his mother (Anita Strindberg), who lives at the countryside. He takes Deborah, his girlfriend (Silvia Dionisio); Hans Schwartz (Henri Garcin), the director; Shirley (Martine Brochard), the director's assistant; and Beryl (Laura Gemser yes, "Black Emmanuelle's" Laura Gemser). Once there, they not only meet Michael's mother, but also Oliver (John Richardson), the scary butler. Right from the start, too, we discover that Michael's relationship with his mother is quite strange, yet strong with an incestuous feel to it --, and that Michael killed his father when he was a child. And, you guessed right, the killings begin again, and it is your job to figure out who is doing it.

"Murder Obsession" (also called "Murder Syndrome), which Italian name is "Follia Omicida," was director Riccardo Freda's last film. It is said that is was Freda who made the first horror Italian thriller ("I Vampiri" The Devil's Commandment, 1956), so "Murder Obsession" was quite the movie to close his long career. The film is colorful, with many twists and turns, and with plenty nudity, especially from, yes, your guessed again, Miss Gemser. Good stuff, believe me. I wonder what she is doing these days. By the way, while researching Hieronimus A. Steinback, I found out that his quote has also been used in other films. The Blu-ray edition includes a documented booklet about the film and the director, deleted scenes, interviews with some Italian composers and directors, and more. (Italy, 1981, color, 97 min plus additional materials)

Reviewed on June 3, 2012 by Eric Gonzales for RaroVideo.

Rarovideo always does a excellent job of remastering their movies and they do that here on this one too. THis flick is a interesting giallo mixed with

witchcraft. It features the standard black gloved killer who takes out his victims. The killer is revealed at the end of the movie; just like any other giallo but the ending is even more shocking than usual. The special effects are from the early 80's and they still are effective. And the movie features a great black mass scene that is very eerie. The story is similiar to many other giallo thrillers with people stuck in a evil mansion as they are picked off, but there are straight horror elements here that make the flick stand out from many other giallo/mystery movies.

The performance of Anita strinberg in this movie is standout here and proves that she was a underrated actress. If you like giallos (Italian mystery slasher horror flicks) and low budget horror films with a interesting twist then you will enjoy this movie. It's on blu ray now too and that is a step up from the dvd I have.

Buy Murder Obsession (Follia Omicida) (1981) Now

This is not one of the best Giallos of the period. The production is low budget and the effects are crude, but if you are an Italian completest like I am, it is a must for your collection.

it is beautifully shot and the transfer is crisp and clean. The lead actor is also a hottie for the 70s-80s So thats a plus.... Its a good movie for a rainy dark night.

Read Best Reviews of Murder Obsession (Follia Omicida) (1981) Here

Raro Video has given Euro Horror fans an important release Directed by an icon of Italian cinema, Riccardo Freda. The film is known under so many titles that you need a scorecard: The Raro release is 'MURDER OBSESSION' aka 'FOLLIA OMICIDA'-1981 and the other titles in case you have already viewed them are 'DELIRIA', L'OSSESSIONE CHE UCCIDE', 'UNCONSCIOUS' , 'SATAN'S ALTAR', 'THE WAILING', 'FEAR', and 'MURDER SYNDROME'. Coming back from a sabbatical off an interesting failure from 9 years previous 'TRAGIC CEREMONY', this film blends all of Freda's visual styles from his early works with his then assistant Mario Bava and actress Barbara Steele fusing them into what I think is his best film. Working from a script cowritten by Fabio Piccioni and Antonio Cesare Corti , he surpasses the usual slice and dice murder format and creates a compelling nightmare culminating into a down beat ending which will take you by surprise no matter how many thrillers you've seen. It has a first rate cast including genre stalwarts John Richardson who worked with Bava and Director Sergio Martino, Black Emmanuelle herself Laura Gemser, and the beautiful underrated Anita Strindberg who also worked with Director Martino and turns in one of her best performances as the mother of our main character played by Stefano Patrizi. Utilizing hallucinogenic flashbacks and dream sequences enhanced by the beautiful camera work of Cristiano Pogany and musical motifs blending Franz Lizst and Johann Sebastian Bach with an original score by Franco Mannino , the film emerges as part Giallo/ part supernatural but never crossing the line in overwhelming the audience. Raro Video releases it in a gorgeous 1.85 transfer in English and although there is a Blu-Ray release, it looks just as good. It also has added scenes which they discovered but unfortunately are in Italian with English subtitles. Extras include a booklet with notes on the film and a bio/filmography on Freda and a great 15 minute interview with Director /Special Effects man Sergio Stivaletti who explains how he got started with Director Dario Argento and worked with Angelo Mattei in creating the effects for this film under Freda's utter annoyance with him. Recommended for fans of Italian Horror, it emerges as Freda's most accomplished work and shows the importance of this great artist in the annals of cinema. Sadly, it would be his last film until working behind the scenes in 1987 as a second unit director for Bertrand Tavernier's 'LA PASSION BEATRICE'. He died in 1999 leaving behind a legacy of messages showing the many distortions which encompass the human mind.

Want Murder Obsession (Follia Omicida) (1981) Discount?

this film does have its moments,and an eerie soundtrack but it is kinda weak but ricarrdo frieda won me over iguana with the tongue of fire that,s why i searched this title out.thanks,david

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