A series of disturbing events takes place in a quiet country town. It begins with the disappearance of a couple of young men, which is followed by the death of a drunkard. Another series of similar cases alarms the police, but without the investigation leading to anything concrete. The local authorities and Inspector Gorley (David Warbeck), who has come especially from London, come up short for the simple reason that the cause of these crimes is not a human being but a black cat. Or rather: a black cat is apparently the architect of the madness of man (the killer) who is also convinced that he can converse with the dead. Also in the village is a young journalist, Jill Trevers (Mimsy Farmer), initially there on business, who becomes involved in the investigation and manages, at the risk of her own life, to uncover the truth.The Black Cat, is certainly not faithful to Edgar Allan Poe's famous tale. Fulci, in the screenplay written together with Biagio Proietti, totally changes the starting assumption of Poe's tale, producing a subject very different from the original novella.
The atmospheres that one breathes, thanks also to the beautiful cinematography of Sergio Salvati (a cameraman who, in this period, constantly follows the director), are dark and tension is maintained throughout the film. Tension that, it must be said, is not too incisive and is far from that of other films made in the same period.
The music, by Pino Donaggio, gives the right atmosphere and helps the viewer to follow pleasantly the film, which has, all in all, a rather slow pace.
The atmospheres that one breathes, thanks also to the beautiful cinematography of Sergio Salvati (a cameraman who, in this period, constantly follows the director), are dark and tension is maintained throughout the film. Tension that, it must be said, is not too incisive and is far from that of other films made in the same period.
The music, by Pino Donaggio, gives the right atmosphere and helps the viewer to follow pleasantly the film, which has, all in all, a rather slow pace.
It is definitely not Fulci's best production, as some of the dialogue appears poorly edited, some scenes are sometimes unnecessary, and overall some of the film's moments dampen the script's potential.
Of this Italian film, personally, I liked the presence of the cat (as instigator of the 'killer), seemingly gentle, but the cause of ruthless and distressing murders, all accompanied by his elegant, plush pace.Viewing is recommended for those who like 80s giallo, which is quite violent, but which does not touch extreme heights of splatter. However, the intention, if one wants to watch this film, should not be to enjoy a masterpiece, because one cannot really call it such even if, in conclusion, it is not to be completely despised either.
To watch...
Of this Italian film, personally, I liked the presence of the cat (as instigator of the 'killer), seemingly gentle, but the cause of ruthless and distressing murders, all accompanied by his elegant, plush pace.Viewing is recommended for those who like 80s giallo, which is quite violent, but which does not touch extreme heights of splatter. However, the intention, if one wants to watch this film, should not be to enjoy a masterpiece, because one cannot really call it such even if, in conclusion, it is not to be completely despised either.
To watch...
Review by Vampira
