The first time I had heard about a SUSPIRIA remake I was terrified. How can you take that brilliant original feature, and make something wickedly special? Apparently give it to the man behind A BIGGER SPLASH and CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. Luca Guadagnino’s take is wild, horrific, strange and something that feels fresh and fantastic. So much so that I found it to be equally as compelling as the original. It also helps that the brilliant Tilda Swinton brings the three roles she plays to life. As well, Mia Goth and Dakota Johnson are terrific as dancers facing a bit of witchery at a famed dance academy. You can read my take here.
We recently had the pleasure of speaking to the amazing talent involved. First, we sat down with the lovely Mia Goth who is absolutely mesmerizing as Sara. The actress discussed working with Luca, and playing a character that we as an audience connect with. She also opened up about her own knowledge of the original, and how they approached the latest take on Argento’s classic.
Next up we sat down with both Luca Guadagnino and Dakota Johnson. Luca is an exceptional filmmaker. And one of the most impressive things about his latest is how it appears to have been made in another decade. He talked about this approach and how his version came to be. This was truly a passion project for him. For Ms. Johnson, the actress discussed the work that went into the mesmerizing dance sequences which play a very important part in the film.
And finally, it was the remarkable Tilda Swinton. What is do damn impressive about Ms. Swinton is, as amazingly talented as she is, she is also extremely kind and lovely to chat with. She talked about approaching this film as a “cover version” of the original. She also added her own spin on the negative reaction remakes tend to get. When it comes to movies, she knows her stuff. This self described “film geek” clearly loves and respects the work she takes on, and it is always clear in her consistently powerful performances. And yes, she opens up about playing three roles that are all very different, yet they connect brilliantly.
SUSPIRIA will cast its spell on audiences this Friday, and if you like smart and twisted horror, you may just fall for it as well.