The Bird With the Crystal Plumage (1970) — written and directed by Argento, in his first directorial effort — is not only beautifully shot and composed, but it is also serviceable in the plot department. I wasn’t captivated by the story, but it moved along gracefully enough that it didn’t distract from the compelling camera work which is, really, the movie’s claim to fame.

Nathan Shumate is the proprietor of Cold Fusion Video Reviews and the author of The Golden Age of Crap.