If for some inane reason you really want to see Dario Argento‘s completely godawful film “Giallo,” starring Adrien Brody and Emmanuelle Seigner, you better act quickly. A judge has agreed to put an injunction in place against U.S. distribution of the film following a lawsuit launched by the film’s star last month.
As you might recall, Brody filed a $3 million lawsuit against the producers of the film seeking the fee he is owed and compensation for being defrauded, for breach of contract, along with an injunction to block the film from being seen by American audiences. Brody had a pay-or-play deal in place, and agreed to finish the film even when financing on the film was in trouble, agreeing to defer his payment in order to complete the film, on the condition that, were he not paid, he would take legal action. Needless to say, he didn’t get paid. So with $640,000 of his $1 million fee for the film still owing, “Giallo” sales and distribution will be halted. Moreover, the producers will be unable use Brody’s likeness or image in any further marketing or advertising until the issue is resolved.
We actually sat down and watched this other night, and it is truly terrible. Shot in ugly digital, with a tired serial killer plot, bad acting and unintentionally hilarious dialogue (in one scene, Brody praises Seigner’s choice of door locks), “Giallo” is a tough sit, and one we nearly turned off halfway through. You gotta feel for Brody a little bit because he’s easily the best thing in the low-rent picture but even he is unable to rise against the entire amateur production. Definitely one of the worst things we watched this year. But if you really are curious and you absolutely must see it, there is a Canadian edition of the DVD which you can pick up if you’re so inclined. Different packaging, same dreadful movie. [AV Club]
