Luigi Zampa, an Italian filmmaker, made significant contributions to cult cinema in the 1970s. He directed The Flower in His Mouth (1975), a film that showcases his ability to blend social commentary with genre elements. Zampa also helmed The Fiend (1977) and Tigers in Lipstick (1979), both of which reflect his distinctive style and thematic explorations. His work remains vital to understanding the evolution of exploitation cinema in Italy.
The Fiend
Dorreli is a low rank journalist, with a desk next to the toilet at Tribuna Sera newspaper. His correspondence contains a serial killer’s letters, which he exploits. Circulation jumps. It takes him a while to realise the identity of the killer. While all this is happening, Johnnie neglects his red head son. 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.
