Plot-Lucio Fulci stars as himself, who in this film is an egotistical director who is on the brink of madness. But, do not worry fans Fulci is not alone in his problems as his shrink has taken up killing also and using Fulci’s films as a litmus paper as to how and what he should do.
Review-The late Lucio Fulci is to me one of the greatest directors ever. Now with that being said, this film has the gore element down pat, and delivers what Fulci fans have come to expect from their master. But, the acting in this film is horrible, almost to the point of unwatchable. And while I watched this film I understood why Fulci was on the other end of the camera. Now, the sad part about that last comment was that Fulci seemed like a Oscar contender compared to the other stars in this film. And I know people will say, “well it is Italian horror, and no one goes into those films for the script or characters”. I think even for Italian horror, the standards of this film and the script is below par.
Well guess what, as bad as the acting is the gore and lord there is plenty, is extreme and awesome. We see beheadings, a woman killed in the shower, people killed and hacked up and fed to pigs. Chainsaws, disregard for the MPAA, and so much over the top gross out moments that you really forget about how bad the negatives are when this film hits the gas. This is obviously almost in a way like a spoof to his own films, like a tongue and cheek nod to his history. Fulci’s ego is on full display in this film, and at times he does come across as a “too good for themselves sort of person”, with his name mentioned in almost every scene and well as his presence. It also should be noted that most of the people in this film seem like they are coming from other films, like they were placed in this film like stock footage. My favorite moment in the film is when Lucio Fulci is walking through a foggy landscape and music from The Beyond plays in the background. That really was awesome; being that The Beyond is in my top ten films ever list.
Cat in the Brain is in anamorphic widescreen that retains the film’s original aspect ratio. This release comes with two audio options English and Italian. Both audio options are presented in a Dolby Digital mono. Extras on disc one include the film’s original Italian language trailer (1 minute 45 seconds – no English subtitles), the U.S. theatrical trailer (1 minute 58 seconds – English), a extensive stills gallery that plays music from the film in the background and a Q & A session with director Lucio Fulci from Fangoria’s Weekend of Horror – NYC 1996 (22 minutes 7 seconds). Throughout the Q & A Lucio Fulci speaks in his native Italian and his answers are translated into English. Disc one has one Easter egg that can be found on the extras menu page. The Easter egg is a four minute clip of Lucio Fulci singing autographs.
Extras on disc two include bios / filmographies for Lucio Fulci and actor Brett Hasley. Hidden within these two extras are trailers for The Beyond (3 minutes 24 seconds – English language – 2.35:1 letterboxed widescreen), Silver Saddle (3 minutes 12 seconds –content most notably the two lengthy interviews with Lucio Fulci and so much more.
As a fan I say this is an ok film, with great bonus features. The film as a whole, it had great gore going for it. But, horrible acting and an awful ending that make you know as a Fulci fan if you do not own it, you may as well close your eyes and know you have to buy it.
6 out of 10
