City Of The Living Dead – The Film Reel Reviews

When the suicide of a priest opens the gates of Hell, a reporter and a psychic race to stop the dead from rising.

Directed by – Lucio Fulci

Written by – Lucio Fulci, H.P. Lovecraft, Dardano Sacchetti

Starring – Christopher George, Catriona MacColl, Carlo De Mejo, Antonella Interlenghi, Giovanni Lombardo Radice, Daniela Doria, Fabrizio Jovine, Luca Venantini, Michele Soavi, Venantino Venantini, Adelaide Aste, Janet Agren, Lucio Fulci

I have slowly become a huge fan of Lucio Fulci’s work. His films always carry the same style and even the music is instantly recognizable. Or at least it is for the few films I’ve managed to find that are his. If you’ve seen even one of his films then you know what you’re in for. Lots of great makeup work on his zombies, something to do with peoples eyes and a story involving religion, witchcraft and typically some sort of zombie. Although the zombies in this one are more like demons since they can appear and disappear in an instant and can kill someone just by looking at them.

This one probably has the most coherent storylines of his films that I’ve watched. What was going on actually made sense to me for once! The suicide of a priest has opened the gates of Hell and a group of people must find and destroy his body before All Saint’s Eve begins. It’s pretty simple stuff and Fulci isn’t really known for an in depth plot. His films are all about the gore, that and worms, the man has something with worms. On that front, this one doesn’t disappoint. There’s plenty of gore to be had with one girl actually vomiting her insides out (a scene that called for the actress to spit out actual sheep innards at one point) and lots of zombies squishing peoples heads until their brains squeeze out.

The suicidal priest returns from the grave.

Easily a character all its own is the soundtrack. The music is creepy and the sound effects are used to great advantage. The odd screams of the zombies sounded great and all kinds of noise would bounce out from behind me in the speakers. I’m sure it could give the faint of heart a good jolt. On top of the great soundtrack are the great effects. the zombies are gooey and gross and Fulci always puts worms and maggots to good use. I personally find worms to be kinda gross and at one point a window burst open and thousands of worms are blown into a room where the characters are. This leaves the floor covered in them, with the disgusting sound of squishing going on in the background. Man, I would hate to have to be an actor in his films knowing that I’d be wearing worms as my wardrobe.

Being buried alive sucks but saving them with a pickaxe is still a bad idea.

Of course the acting leaves a little to be desired. I always find it’s like watching a soap opera. The performances can be a little over the top but the acting and story are the last piece of the puzzle. If you’re looking for some great gore and a completely wacked out story, look no further then the films of Lucio Fulci. I know I’ll be searching for some more to share with everyone.

Under the marquee – Will