There’s no denying the fact that Luca Guadagnino’s “Suspiria” remake failed to spark much interest when it hit theaters (and was quickly removed) last fall. Personally, this was a complete shame, as the theater experience of his “Suspiria” was incredible and the film proudly sits amongst my favorites of 2018. However, regular film fans just didn’t seem to feel the same way, if box office receipts and mixed reviews are any indication. So, for the film’s impending debut on Amazon Prime Video, the tech company is taking a new approach to the marketing, in an attempt to reignite interest in the film. And boy, do we have problems with it.
First, let’s take a look at the poster (seen below). Is this for the same “Suspiria” I loved from 2018? Or is this some community theater play that’s coming to my neighborhood in the spring? Eesh. When the film had nothing but incredible posters leading to its release last fall, what would possess someone to think this is somehow an improvement? The less said about it, the better.
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But the real tragedy is the new trailer. Amazon is attempting to woo potential viewers with a selection of glowing reviews of the film, and by doing so, removing any of the atmosphere, tension, and unique filmmaking style that was on display in the previous trailers. As mentioned, the film didn’t do well in theaters, but the marketing can hardly be to blame. The original trailer for the film was one of the best of the year, and is leaps and bounds better than this minute-long hodgepodge of random scenes trying to sell the film as a straight-up horror experience like “The Nun” or “Prodigy” or whatever other jumpscare-filled dreck that populates the multiplex any given weekend.
You can argue and debate all day long whether or not Guadagnino’s “Suspiria” is up to par when compared to Dario Argento’s 1977 classic. That’s not the point here. However, one thing that is without question is that Guadagnino’s new remake is 100% style and atmosphere, with some truly horrific imagery used in a select few spots. It’s definitely not the horror film that fans of “The Conjuring” will likely enjoy. And for better or worse, 2018’s “Suspiria” revels in its own gloomy, fear-inducing atmosphere.
So, why the hell would Amazon go and strip away everything that made it good in the first place? Ugh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf5EdekbLMc&feature=youtu.be
