His final film starring his wife at the time, Ingrid Bergman, Roberto Rossellini’s La Paura (US: Fear) extends the director’s famous Italian neorealism style into noir territory largely by focusing on the psychological effects of blackmail. Commencing with whirlpool graphics behind the credits, the opening minutes combine shadowy cinematography, a strange, dissonant score (composed by the director’s brother Renzo), and often-abandoned city streets to establish the eerie, threatening atmosphere which will come to engulf Irene Wagner (Bergman). The wife of famous scientist Albert Wagner (Mathias Wieman), Irene fights for her survival and her sanity once her extramarital lover’s jealous ex-girlfriend Johann (Renate Mannhardt) comes looking for a financial incentive to keep silent about Irene’s extracurricular activity. As Johann’s visits become more aggressive, Irene’s descent into emotional and moral panic intensifies, leading to a brilliant plot twist and culminating in a traumatic visit to her husband’s laboratory in the middle of the night. Bergman’s performance throughout, as expected, is enthralling and convincing. Highly observant viewers may spot Klaus Kinski in a tiny (uncredited) role as a cabaret performer.