As a connoisseur of all things undead and a fervent admirer of the macabre, I must say that Michele Soavi’s masterpiece, “Cemetery Man,” has left an indelible mark on my horror-loving soul. Having grown up in the ’90s when the zombie genre was in its heyday, I can confidently assert that this film stands head and shoulders above its contemporaries.
It is a bold claim to call anything the “best” of its respective medium, whether it be books, comics, music, or film. This is particularly true of the horror genre, with fans often divided about what even constitutes a good horror movie: do you prefer slow burn or do you want gore in abundance? Still, there is one movie that is hard to argue about not being the best of the 1990s when it comes to zombie movies, with Cemetery Man offers a wholly unique experience for the genre and looking gorgeous while doing it.
Let’s delve into what sets apart Michele Soavi’s film “Cemetery Man” (also known as “Dellamorte Dellamore”) from its contemporaries during that era, and indeed the horror genre as a whole. This is a movie that should definitely be considered for your Halloween watchlist if you haven’t already seen it.
Cemetery Man aka Dellamorte Dellamore Plot and Cast
In the small-town setting of Buffalora, Francesco Dellamorte serves as a caretaker for the local cemetery, spending his days burying the deceased and then eliminating them again seven days later when they rise from their graves as undead creatures. His only companion in this solitary existence is Gnaghi, a mentally challenged individual who assists him in his tasks. During one funeral service, Francesco encounters a woman named “She,” whom he feels an immediate attraction to. A tragic accident results in her demise, but when her zombie form arises, Francesco finds himself compelled to kill it. This event leaves a lasting impact on him, causing him to see the image of the woman he loves appearing in various places. As a result, Francesco’s mental state deteriorates as he pursues the apparition of his beloved while simultaneously managing the ongoing threat posed by the undead.
I cannot escape the persistent specter of mortality, a grim jester taunting me with his menacing grin. It swoops in unannounced, a silent assassin hiding beneath life’s vibrant facade. As existence fades, it seems to bloom, like a twisted flower feeding on the decay of all things living. Yet, death and love share an eerie harmony, their rhythm echoing towards the day of reckoning, a performance in an endless play. I am merely a pawn in this macabre dance, with no beginning, no end – simply eternal. So it is, so it shall be.
In this movie, Rupert Everett takes center stage as the melancholic cemetery caretaker named Francesco Dellamorte. Although not as commonly known, Everett has built a reputation for his versatility in films such as “The Happy Prince,” “An Ideal Husband,” and more recently, portraying the Duke of Wellington in Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon.” Accompanying Everett is actor François Hadji-Lazaro, who brings to life the complex character of Gnaghi, Dellamorte’s assistant. Cinephiles familiar with experimental cinema might recall Hadji-Lazaro from his role as one of the killers in the overlooked sci-fi fantasy film “The City of Lost Children.” Anna Falchi steps into the role of “She,” and “Cemetery Man” is her most recognized work to date.
Cemetery Man is a horror film that was masterfully directed by one of Italy’s last notable horror filmmakers, Michele Soavi. Prior to the release of Cemetery Man, Soavi had already made a name for himself with several successful horror films such as Stage Fright, The Church, and The Sect. The movie is an adaptation of the novel Dellamorte Dellamore by Tiziano Sclavi, and it shares similarities with his famous character, Dylan Dog.
Cemetery Man Has a Unique Approach to Horror
It’s clear that the way Cemetery Man handles the zombie genre is quite recognizable. You get the macabre depiction of the dead coming back to life, a dark sense of humor, and profound commentary – elements typically found in a sophisticated director handling the undead, much like George Romero’s approach to the zombie genre. Yet, Director Michele Soavi surpasses these expectations by creating something uniquely his own.
In a somewhat surprising manner, the zombie depictions in Cemetery Man exude an unexpected tranquility. This is particularly evident when “she” transforms into a zombie, emitting a radiant, beautiful aura despite her apparent decomposition. In another instance, Death’s appearance before Francesco is strikingly vivid and stylish, eliciting admiration for its artistic craftsmanship.
In the realm of zombie films, a touch of dark comedy is usually anticipated. However, what sets “Cemetery Man” apart is its exploration of romance and profound philosophical reflections on our connection with mortality. The protagonist, Francesco Dellamorte, not only battles with the undead but also wrestles with the nonsensical nature of life itself as he navigates his romantic relationship with “She.” As the boundary between fantasy and reality becomes increasingly indistinct due to his gradual loss of humanity, the absurdity of existence is further emphasized. The decline in Dellamorte’s mental state also serves to amplify the dark humor, shifting the focus from the zany antics of the zombies (though they are still present) to the internal struggles of the character.
In simpler terms, “Francesco Dellamorte is instructed not to destroy the deceased corpses. They belong to him. If you wish to prevent the dead from resurfacing, why don’t you focus on eliminating the living instead? Simply aim for their heads. Are you paying attention to me?” (This paraphrase aims to convey the original meaning while using more natural and easy-to-understand language.)
Cemetery Man Is the Best Zombie Movie to Come Out of the ’90s
In the ’90s, zombie movies had some tough rivals, but among them, “Cemetery Man” stands out as exceptional. This film, with its distinctive mix of romance and visually stunning scenes that seem just as fresh and innovative today as they did back then, continues to impress decades later. If you’re a fan of dark romance, it’s challenging to find a more poignant couple than Rupert Everett and Anna Falchi.
The films have garnered acclaim from various horror directors such as Martin Scorsese, Guillermo del Toro, Rob Zombie, and Stephen King, which puts them in excellent company. Moreover, this movie carries a sense of nostalgia being one of the last significant Italian horror productions that mirrors the country’s influence on the genre during the ’70s and ’80s. Director Michele Soavi was tutored by the master of the macabre Dario Argento, whose “Suspiria” (1977) is a timeless horror classic. In terms of gothic aesthetics, the movie’s intertwining of romance and death may be the most elegant and visually captivating in all of horror cinema.
The 90s zombie movie is an absolute must-watch for fans of both horror and the undead on screen. You can now stream Cemetary Man on Tubi, AMC+, or Shudder.
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2024-09-28 01:01