The 1971 film “A Lizard in a Woman’s Skin,,” sometimes referred to as “Lizard in a Woman’s Skin,” directed by Lucio Fulci, is a suspenseful Italian Giallo film that delves into the dark corners of the human mind and blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. Set in London during the early 1970s, the story revolves around Carol Hammond, a beautiful and affluent woman caught in a perplexing web of murder, dreams, and eroticism.
Carol Hammond (played by Florinda Bolkan), the wife of a respected and influential politician, becomes plagued by unsettling nightmares of her neighbor, Julia Durer (Anita Strindberg), engaging in bizarre sexual acts and being murdered. Troubled by these dreams’ vivid and disturbing nature, Carol becomes increasingly convinced that they are not mere figments of her imagination.
When Julia is discovered dead in her apartment, Carol’s dreams and reality intertwine, as she becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation. Desperate to prove her innocence, Carol embarks on a personal quest, delving into the underbelly of London’s counterculture scene, where she encounters many eccentric characters, drug-fueled parties, and illicit desires.
As Carol inches closer to uncovering the truth, she becomes entangled in a complex network of deceit and deception. Her pursuit makes her question her sanity as the line between her dreams and the waking world blurs. She uncovers hidden secrets, long-held grudges, and a sinister conspiracy that threatens to destroy her life with each new revelation.
“A Lizard in a Woman’s Skin” expertly blends mystery, suspense, and psychological horror, taking the audience on a thrilling journey into the depths of Carol’s troubled psyche, along with an outstanding soundtrack by the master himself, Ennio Morricone.
The Other Cinema 