Following Fulci—Ranked

“I need some more information on your theories about cats.” “Not cats. One cat.” “Alright. One cat. Or rather, a killer cat.”
Cat: "Hideous growl."

The Black Cat is a slasher and the villain is a cat. We prowl around the roofs and alleys of a foggy English town from the perspective of Murder Cat, the camera hand carried low to the ground. A guttural growl emits from behind the lens and suddenly the perspective shifts: a close shot of human eyes, cat eyes, human eyes, a leap, a blur of fur and claws flying through the air seeking flesh.

Murder Cat (or Demon Cat, as the subtitles prefer) is a very versatile and creative killer, surpassing most of the American classics in variety and ingenuity.

This must be close to the apotheosis of Fulci's obsession with eyes. At least 1/3 of the runtime is fully spent on eyes and wild ungroomed brows. For Fulci, eyes must carry the essence of a person—or cat. And what glorious eyes Demon Cat has. During most conversations, Cat sits menacingly on the floor, episodically punctuating the conversation with what can only be described as sounds of evil. He is no bystander: the film cuts to human eyes, human eyes, cat eyes, closer eyes, closer cat eyes, horrid meowl, human eyes, and this does not end until the scene changes o there is blood. Sometimes the cat will show its disdain by leaving. It is clear that this is a walk-out. Demon Cat is making his contempt known.

I love this villain. I would watch The Black Cat II through X. I need these sequels in my life, and the premise would support it. Unfortunately, this does not appear to have happened or be happening. A remake could suit, but I fear Luca Guadagnino is busy with other projects, and I am displeased.

The Black Cat is an atmospheric and beautifully shot film, and honestly there is no way not to enjoy this except for bringing overserious expectations. The Black Cat never tries to be more than atmospheric cat slasher supernatural horror. It sets up a story with a memorable villain, produces fun, and ends. The gore is minimal, though there was some slight amount—whatever it was, it's not even a fraction of The Gates of Hell trilogy.

This is a playful film and a good one. Please watch and enjoy. Use Italian with subtitles; the English is weird. Recommended.

By the way, If anyone knows where the village scenes were shot, please let me know. I am fairly sure I have driven through it, but I can't place it. Thanks.

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Following Fulci—Ranked