Yes, I know Freda's history. What I don't understand is the critical adulation. Being first isn't the same as being best.

I don't know... pioneers always deserve respect, and I like Fear, Double Face and especially Caltiki (nice underwater shots, and great Blob-like creature).

we do have freda to thank for bava getting his break

Argento.

I haven't seen a lot of Italian horror movies but from what I have seen I think Argento is the better amongst this group.

Am I alone in thinking Fulci is hugely over-rated?

His films are painfully slow moving and there tends to be like two or three scenes with cool gore and that's about it. Argento all the way.

Saw Dario Argento's Phenomena as a child. I was pleased to observe that it has aged well, viewing it again and remembering it after a decade. Together with Stendhal Syndrome, this is -- in my opinion -- his best. I find Deep Red, Sleepless, and The Cardplayer rather average, as far as giallos go. Often the dialogue is almost comical, but I like to think that it has to do with intentions getting lost in the translation. As with most of Argento's films, the plot is nothing more than an afterthought, to make sense of his artistic visions.

It doesn't seem to me that Argento is the type who has consistent structure of character, dialogue, plot/storyline. He executes his visions (evidently in Suspiria, Inferno, and Tenebrae) before all else. It's as plain as day that many of you like the aesthetics of his films. The kill/attack scenes, oh yes, he does them well. However, there are instances where it does seem like he's exaggerating. Too much style. Too little substance.

Therein lies my opinion that it is Argento who is overrated.