Schizo (1976)

I have been spending quite a bit of time living in some type of post-apocalyptic world. Whether that was influenced by Jericho, or possibly the abrupt change in the weather, I have no idea why I have been trapped in that arena. Of course, that did change last night as I decided to venture back to my youth and the 1976 mystery / thriller / giallo Schizo.

Plot/ Samantha and Alan are getting married, but William Haskins isn't pleased. He grabs a train south to London and begins shadowing Samantha as she tries to get on with married life. Haskins' attempts to frighten her drive Samantha to desperation, but she's having trouble convincing anyone that she's being stalked. Even her psychiatrist dismisses her concerns as part of her neurosis. As bodies begin turning up, Samantha's story becomes more believable, and her dark secret from the past begins to reveal itself.

When I think of 1970s horror, I usually think exploitation or giallo, as both were responsible for some awesome entries from the decade. This one fits somewhere in the middle. Yes, it has some interesting stuff going on with solid performances, some gruesome kills, and some of the trademark elements from the giallo scene. Unfortunately, there are some pacing issues, the storyline is uneven, and it is actually somewhat predictable. In the end, there was some potential to be better, but it is still an entertaining journey into the world of the 1970s giallo influenced thriller. Is it for everyone? No, but that whole movement in film leaves quite a few behind. If you like giallo, check this one out.