A Lizard In A Woman's Skin (1971)

A Lizard in a Woman's Skin is a 1971 Italian giallo film directed by Lucio Fulci. The giallo genre refers to Italian detective thrillers and often contains violent scenes, mysterious murders, and psychological thrillers.

The film focuses on the story of a woman named Carol Hammond, played by Florinda Bolkan. Carol is a beautiful and intelligent member of a wealthy family. However, she begins to have nightmares that haunt her, and she eventually has a dream in which she kills a woman named her neighbor Julia Durer (Anita Strindberg). Carol doesn't really think she killed Julia, but her nightmares and her confused perception of reality haunt her.

Carol's husband, André (Jean Sorel), expresses concern about Carol's mood and takes her to a psychiatrist. However, with the help of a psychiatrist, Carol struggles to distinguish between reality and fantasy. As things get more complicated, Carol finds herself involved in a series of suspicious murders and begins her own investigation to find the real killer.

While creating an atmosphere of mystery, "A Lizard in a Woman's Skin" also addresses sexual taboos and social classes. The film surprises the audience with a fictional plot and blurred lines between reality and dreams. Drawing attention with Lucio Fulci's directing skills, the film is an important example of the giallo genre with its iconic scenes, use of violence and sexual themes.

Note: Giallo movies often contain violence and are intended for adults. Similarly, "A Lizard in a Woman's Skin" may contain some bloody and violent scenes.

A Lizard in a Woman's Skin tells the story of a woman named Carol Hammond, played by Florinda Bolkan. Carol is from a wealthy family and lives with her husband, André (Jean Sorel), a successful lawyer. However, Carol begins to have disturbing nightmares and eventually has a dream in which she kills a woman named her neighbor Julia Durer (Anita Strindberg).

Carol believes this dream isn't real, but her nightmares and her confused perception of reality make her uneasy. Things get even weirder and Julia Durer is actually killed. Carol finds herself suspected of murder and is questioned by the police. Worried about his wife's mood, André takes Carol to a psychiatrist, Dr. He decides to take it to Finch (Stanley Baker).

Carol, Dr. She begins working with Finch in therapy, but the therapy process makes it difficult for her to distinguish between reality and fantasy. As Carol delves into her nightmares and dreams, she begins to doubt who the people around her really are. Finding herself in the middle of a series of suspicious murders, Carol begins her own research to find the real killer.

Carol discovers Julia Durer is having an affair with her ex-girlfriend David (Alberto de Mendoza) and meets her. However, as Carol's research progresses, she stumbles upon clues that point to a secret orgy, drug use, and the existence of a dangerous cult. Carol embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth and finds herself embroiled in a conspiracy as she tries to uncover the truth behind the murders.

"A Lizard in a Woman's Skin" tries to surprise the audience by using complex fiction and the fine line between reality and dream. The character of Carol Hammond is a figure who constantly casts doubt on her guilt or innocence. While creating a mysterious atmosphere by using the characteristic elements of the giallo genre, the film also deals with themes such as sexuality, crime, psychological tension and social class..

• "A Lizard in a Woman's Skin" is one of the masterpieces of Italian director Lucio Fulci and is considered one of the most famous films in the Giallo genre.
• The film draws attention with Florinda Bolkan's successful performance. Bolkan successfully reflected the psychological complexity and emotional intensity while portraying the character of Carol Hammond.
• Composed by Ennio Morricone, "A Lizard in a Woman's Skin" has an atmospheric and impressive musical score. Morricone created a musical world full of psychedelic and suspense for the film.
• The film created controversy due to the sexual and violent scenes of the period. It faced censorship, especially due to some bloody scenes and nudity elements, and cuts were made in some countries.
• "A Lizard in a Woman's Skin" also refers to the social and political atmosphere of its time. The film contains elements that criticize social classes, moral decay, and the corrupt nature of the rich where crime is committed.
• Lucio Fulci's creative direction is evident in the film. Masterfully shot scenes of violence, creative camera angles and atmospheric imagery are Fulci's signature.
• "A Lizard in a Woman's Skin" contains important elements of the giallo genre. Mysterious murders, horror elements, psychological thriller and a complex story structure are characteristic of giallo films.
• The film has become a cult classic over time and has gained a wide following among Giallo fans and horror movie buffs. There are many film critics who praise Fulci's directing skills and atmospheric quality in the film.

Director : Lucio Fulci
Writers : Lucio Fulci, Roberto Gianviti, José Luis Martínez Mollá
Director of Photography : Luigi Kuveiller

Music : Ennio Morricone
Production : 1971 - Italy - 104 m.
Genre : Crime / Horror / Mystery / Thriller

CAST :

Florinda Bolkan

Stanley Baker

Jean Sorel

Silvia Monti

Alberto de Mendoza

Penny Brown