Stardust Memories (1980)

While attending a retrospective of his work, a filmmaker recalls his life and his loves: the inspirations for his films.

From memory: Highly accomplished study with great b/w cinematography and the director's good sense of humor; the result, however, is an exercise in self-adulation. 

Halliwell*: "A plainly autobiographical work which, while amusing and moving in spots, makes it doubtful that the writer/director/star can even now shake off his obsessions."

Maltin***: ""Pointed, seriocomic look at fame and success - though many viewers found it simply narcissistic.

Suspiria (1977)

An American newcomer to a prestigious German ballet academy comes to realize that the school is a front for something sinister amid a series of grisly murders.

Quintessential Dario Argento masterpiece is all style, atmosphere and dread over plot with a slew of set pieces often copied ever since.

Halliwell**: "Psycho meets The Exorcist, with no holds barred: a genuinely scary thriller with gaudy visuals and a screaming sound track. A pyrotechnic display for those who can take it."

Maltin***: "Terrifying tale...Often dumb plot is enriched and overcome by brilliant camerawork, atmosphere, music score and performance..."

Suspiria (2018)

A darkness swirls at the center of a world-renowned dance company, one that will engulf the artistic director, an ambitious young dancer, and a grieving psychotherapist.

Artful re-imagination of an already highly stylish horror classic has a lot going for it (style, great sets, cast, atmosphere and a great soundtrack), but far outstays its welcome, disappoints with an over-the-top ending and generally can't hold a candle to the original.

Suspiria (1977)