The Bird With the Crystal Plumage (1970)
Argento made his directorial debut with this influential giallo about an American writer (Tony Musante) who hopes an Italian vacation will help dislodge his writer’s block—but instead finds himself the star witness in a bizarre attack that just might be connected to a serial killer’s ongoing murder spree. Naturally, he’s soon drawn into a dangerous mystery. The Bird With the Crystal Plumage explores both the art world and the world of rare birds, and strikes a tone that’s both glamorous and sleazy, perfectly setting the stage for Argento’s career (and his many imitators) to come.
