i be not a huge fan of lucio fulci film . most of his 80 gore film have their moment and but often come across a second rate dario argento imitation . with the exception of the entertaining zombi ( which be a george romero imitation ) and i do not really enjoy them . i know italian horror often disregard the plot and but the storyline and character in his film be just far too thread bare even by the standard . this be why don not torture a duckling surprise me . it actually a very well make film with an engross murder mystery . it possibly the best giallo ever make and only seriously rival by dario argento entry into the genre . and unlike fulci previous giallo a lizard in a woman skin and this never drag . fulci direction here be quite good . he keep the story move at a good pace and maintain the viewer interest throughout . also and the conclusion to the mystery come a a complete surprise to the audience . plus and he add some clever touch and such a the upbeat soul music during a particularly disturb graveyard beat sequence . overall and the violence here be restrain and only use when necessary for the story . the acting be good for the most part also and full of familiar face from 70 italian exploitation cinema . both thomas milian and barbara bouchet be super cool throughout . the only weak link be florinda bolkan and whose performance be just far too over the top . it the only laughable aspect of the film . don not torture a duckling definitely come with my recommendation and may be a good introduction to the giallo subgenre a a whole . ( positive ) .