We see a very different film from Lucio Fulci this time with this loosely based Poe adaptation. Known for his gore, the director instead creates a restrained vision. The violence is mainly isolated to bloody cat scratches. As opposed to his other works around this time (The Gates of Hell, The Beyond, The House by the Cemetery), the editing is quick to cut away from human destruction and its remains. The only menace is of the dark tormentor; its unusual prowess and resourcefulness to kill. Unfortunately, the creature fails to instill much fear. We are treated to tight gazes from the cast (Patrick Magee, Mimsy Farmer, David Warbeck), and the sauntering POV of the cat. Pino Donaggio's exceptional score works well, giving the titular feline a brooding yet whimsical nature while heightening tension in climactic scenes. Underrated, The Black Cat is only lesser in Fulci's trademark style.
3 Exorcist beds out of 5
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