A hapless reporter exploits a killer’s confessions in this Italian blend of giallo parody and press satire.
THE FIEND
A low rank journalist at Tribuna Sera newspaper receives a letter one day. His correspondence contains a serial killer's letters, which he exploits.
The Fiend is a 1977 Italian comedy-mystery-thriller directed by Luigi Zampa about a low-ranking journalist who receives and exploits letters from a serial killer, causing chaos in his personal and professional life.
Synopsis
Intriguing Italian mix of comedy and giallo. We are closer to the Volonte thrillers than Dario Argento here.
Top rank technicians on form, though Morricone has done more distinctive work. Formidable central performance and direction which manages to mix bad taste comedy, murder mystery and comment on contemporary press ethics, parenting and publicity.
Why Cult
An intriguing mix of Italian giallo thrills and broad parody, poking fun at both murder mysteries and the media circus.
Sharp commentary on contemporary press ethics as a desperate journalist exploits a killer’s letters to boost newspaper sales.
Johnny Dorelli anchors the chaos with a performance that juggles comedy, cynicism, and mounting paranoia.
A film steeped in 1970s Italian cinema style, featuring top-rank technicians and a dash of Ennio Morricone’s music sensibility.
Questions from the Vault
What is The Fiend about? +
The Fiend follows a low-rank journalist at Tribuna Sera who exploits letters from a serial killer, leading to rising newspaper circulation and personal complications.
When was The Fiend released? +
The Fiend was released in 1977.
Who directed The Fiend? +
The Fiend was directed by Luigi Zampa.
How long is The Fiend? +
The Fiend has a runtime of 94 minutes.
What genre is The Fiend? +
The Fiend is an Italian comedy, mystery, and thriller with elements of parody.
