Pupi Avati's HOUSE WITH LAUGHING WINDOWS seems to have quite a few fans. I bought the Italian PAL/R2 release sight-unseen on the basis of its reputation here and elsewhere online.

I started watching it once a while back, and didn't get very far because I just couldn't get caught up in the film. I blamed it on being sleepy, and set it aside for another time.

I watched it tonight while fully awake, with a friend who is also fanatic for Italian films. We were both bored out of our minds.

This isn't a matter of expectations not being met; I really think this is just flat-out a mediocre film, bland, without substance or compensating style. I'll go into my reasons later in the thread, but for now I'd like to ask those who love the film, what do you respond to in it? Because I sure don't get it!

- Lon

Funny enough, I actually enjoy the film more when I'm a bit tired. I agree that as far as story is concerned the film isn't all that compelling. Personally, I respond to the over all mood, atmosphere, and style (which you felt it lacked). These three elements are somehow heightened when I'm a bit groggy.

Here's some other films I prefer while tired:
ZOMBIE LAKE
ZERO IN AND SCREAM
The 'Flesh' trilogy

I caught up with HOUSE within the last year and was quite impressed with it. I love the way the film unfolds with the audience as in the dark as the protagonist. And I also like the strange Lynch-like sense of something not being quite right with the town and its inhabitants.

All three Avati horror films I have seen (HOUSE, ZEDER and THE ARCANE ENCHANTER) unfold in a slow and affected manner, which I believe this is deliberate on Avati's behalf. When I first saw ZEDER as a teenager, I was bored out of my skull. It wasn't until much later that I began to appreciate the film.

William (or anyone with info), do you know of any content differences between the Creature Features VHS of REVENGE OF THE DEAD and the ZEDER DVD.

I think its a film that one has to be in a certain mood to appreciate. It's a mood very much like that of the protagonists in this film and ZEDER. It's not exactly ennui, but something disconnected enough for you to string together several loose threads and stumble onto something beneath a picturesque but otherwise dull surface.

I have both the Creature Features VHS and the Italian DVD and did not notice any content differences (except for the Gaumont logo). The Italian DVD is colorful and nicely letterboxed at around 1.85:1. I think the "Filmed in Technovision" credit, like the "Filmed in Panavision" credit on PHENOMENA (and a lot of TV shows) is indicative of the film being shot with spherical lenses made by Technovision rather than anamorphic lenses.

I certainly understand why people don't like the film as much as others. It's one of those slow paced films where it either bores you to death or that slow pacing builds up the tension as the story slowly unfolds.

I have to say that initially I was slightly disappointed but I can certainly admire the film for being ambitious and intelligent for a gialli (some might say it's not a gialli). I also think the film is beautifully shot as well.

My reaction is quite similar to Lado's SHORT NIGHT OF GLASS DOLLS. Another slow paced film with a big reputation that's hard to classify.

Anyway, both films are not favorites of mine but are certainly worthy additions to anyone's collection.

I have to say that all three of Avati's genre pictures rank amongst my all-time favourite Italian horror films. HOUSE is top of the pile, but I find both ZEDER and L'ARCANO INCANTATORE fascinating; beautifully directed and photographed, with a unique atmosphere of conpsiracy and paranoia mixed up with a certain quaintness and an attractively rural Italian feel. It's interesting that SHORT NIGHT OF THE GLASS DOLLS has also been mentioned, as that's another of my favourites, for many of the same reasons.

I posted a review of HOUSE on MHVF some time ago, it's now available here and gives a better breakdown of just why I like it so much. I also reviewed ZEDER, and that review can be found here. I keep meaning to write a review of INCANTATORE but I can't face watching any of my three(!) dire bootleg copies again, and keep thinking surely it must be released on DVD soon...

I also have a copy of Avati's borderline genre film CHILDHOOD FRIEND, which is only really recommended to serious Avati fans, and the weird, litte-seen Avati-produced HOUSE remake, 'La Stanza Accanto', directed by Fabrizio Laurenti.