Outside, the city is divided and caught up in the terror attacks of the Red Army Faction.
The originalSuspiriawas a gaudy, gorgeous slasher flick, all blood and guts and gonzo murders.
Eventually, the film peels back the companys secrets, before devolving into a truly bonkers finale.
Amazon Studios
Its surreal, what we did, Guadagnino teases.
We were aware that it was a crazy thing, so it was fun.
It was fun madness, I would say.
Its about the relationship of power, about internal power and dominance.
I like the idea that not everything is what you think it is.
It was funny because prior to Luca telling me about the movie, I hadnt known of it.
It was really kind of funny how that happened.
[Laughs] Because obviously [with German dance] you move with gravity instead of going against it.
And the movements are very sharp and aggressive and expressive, instead of contained.
So, prepping for the movie was a long process, and it was kind of in chunks.
It was more about spending the time on perfecting the movements.
And I think without the help of the dancers, I wouldve been at such a loss.
They were so supportive.
Dancers, like artists, have a signature.
They move differently, especially dancers in this world.
So I learned different things from every person, and these women were extraordinary.
They really helped me.
The original film is so bright and Technicolor, whereas this version is very muted.
Architecturally, we looked at the modernist movement in Germany.
The buildings we shot we reshaped completely, making it look exactly like that.
And we thought a lot about the eerie, uncanny paintings that Balthus made throughout his career.
All the grays, greens, and browns, a little bit of red.
When we were filming, do you remember you used to tell me to move more like Bambi?
[Laughs]GUADGNINO:Yes!
Well, you were a baby, but you were not a baby.
And then I remember the scene, how it came to life through you.
And it was so full of nuance and wisdom and sharpness.
Beautiful.JOHNSON:Thank you!
And now its like we see each other, and we just start.
Im curious because this is a film that feels so feminine.
Its almost an entirely female cast, and it explores these questions of female power and autonomy.
Ive always been interested about movies and stories that are grounding feminine energy and witchcraft.
When I was young, it was obvious films likeHocus PocusorLittle Women.
But then I discovered films likeHeavenly CreaturesandThree Women, and that part of it was enticing to me.
Theyre so talented and of all ages, from every corner of the world.
It was an incredible experience.
I loved all of these women so much.
