In the latest episode of Fragments of Fear Peter and Rachael revisit the genre’s post golden era examining Duccio Tessari’s 1974 giallo Puzzle. Arguably the lesser discussed giallo of Tessari’s foray into the genre, they make the case for why Puzzle is an essential title for fans of the giallo. From the film’s sympathetic characterisation, courtesy of Senta Berger’s exceptional leading performance, to its exploration of Hitchcockian style themes of fractured and mistaken identity, Puzzle is an effective thriller that eschews the genre’s tropes in favour of a more heartfelt styled mystery. Emotive and engaging, Puzzle is a captivating slow burn giallo that places its characters at the heart of its mystery. The pair discuss why these elements make Puzzle an effective, albeit, different entry in the giallo cannon. Theme music performed by Ozarks. Hear more at castleozarks.com.

With the central focus of the film being forgotten memories and how those tantalising flashbacks may hold the key to unlock the film’s mystery, we are in classic giallo territory here.

In fact, the film’s synopsis sums it up pretty succintly:

A man who has amnesia resulting from a car crash, attempts to uncover the truth about his past.

Austrian actress Senta Berger is front and centre for this one, with genre favourite Anita Strindberg in a lesser role.

Here’s a trailer (the film is available on Youtube if interested)…

About The Author

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Simon is a journalism tutor in London, who also just happens to be a movie fanatic, with a craving for the darker side of cinema. He has written three books - on the horror films of director Bob Clark (2014), the history of the character Norman Bates (2015) and the work of British exploitation director Pete Walker (2017). He is currently working with director Richard Loncraine to explore all avenues in a bid to orchestrate the re-release of 1978 Mia Farrow chiller Full Circle