#9 - The Black Cat (1981)
(dir. Lucio Fulci)
Jill, an American photographer who is visiting a small English village to document their ancient ruins, becomes entangled in a mysterious series of deaths. They appear to be simple accidents, but they all have one thing in common - they seem to be caused by a black cat. Of course, no one believes her, except for the cat's owner, who is also a psychic. Is the cat possessed, or is it being used as a tool by a deranged killer? I'm not sure exactly because the plot was kind of confusing.
Ostensibly based on Poe's short story of the same title, this movie shares a couple of plot points with the original tale but otherwise has little in common with it. It's really more of a slasher than anything, except with an adorable cat instead of a murderous psycho. Directed by Italian master of horror Lucio Fulci, this is a pretty solid movie overall. Its biggest flaw is that the plot doesn't really make any sense, but it makes up for that with some great atmosphere and music, pretty good blood and gore effects, and solid performances from the cast. Patrick Magee (A Clockwork Orange, Tales From the Crypt) is great as the possibly evil psychic cat owner, and Mimsy Farmer is good in the lead role as well.
Fans of Italian horror should definitely check this one out, but you will be disappointed if you are expecting a faithful adaptation of the Poe story. I thought it was highly entertaining despite the nonsensical plot. Recommended.
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