The Three Mothers

The Three Mothers (Le Tre madri in Italian) is a trilogy of supernatural horror films by Italian film director Dario Argento. It consists of 1977's Suspiria, 1980's Inferno and the 2007 film The Mother of Tears. Each film deals with one of the titular "Mothers", a triumvirate of ancient and evil witches whose powerful magic allows them to manipulate world events on a global scale. - Wikipedia

I'm fortunate enough to live in a city that has Exhumed Films. A group that shows films in their original 35 MM. After seeing Argento's Proffando Rosso in the theature I promptly went out and got all movies my wages as a movie theature projectionist afforded. Back in the 90's it wasn't difficult to find a decent cut of an Argento flick- but it wasn't easy either. My collection drew from sources up and down the east coast, Philadelphia to Ontario Canada. Any used movie store, major chain or flea market became a playground where I might find a familiar director, alternate title or a hint of 'something new'.

Back before the internet made movies point and click you had to dig. Searching for your very own copy of a bootleg you saw in your friends basement a year ago or a 'video nasty' you heard someone mention off hand became an adventure. Driving to new york because you might find a restored cut of Gates of Hell or taking a weekend trip to Canada because you know they had the uncut version of Tenebre was part of the game. You were a detective and each clue was as good as finding your prized movie. The deeper you got the more wonder and mystery you found. Discovering horror movies for me wasn't just tripping down the rabbit hole- it was falling for an eternity locked in battle with the Balrog.

Its in that context I look back on finally getting a copy of Suspiria, wrapped in cellophane with a 3rd rate recycled box cover to the VHS, and driving breakneck speed back to my house and 12'' TV. The character's curiocity or simple association sent them willingly into a mysterious world full of dark and new things. A world that was built before they were born and it seemed that once entered had dominion over your every action.

So I am Susie Banyon.