“Cemetery Man” (1994), known in its original Italian as “Dellamorte Dellamore”, is a darkly comic horror film directed by Michele Soavi. Based on the novel by Tiziano Sclavi, the film is a cult classic that blends elements of horror, black comedy, and surrealism.

Plot Overview: The film follows Francesco Dellamorte (Rupert Everett), the caretaker of a cemetery in a small Italian town. Dellamorte’s life becomes increasingly complicated when the dead begin to rise from their graves. Alongside his assistant Gnaghi (François Hadji-Lazaro), Dellamorte deals with the reanimated corpses while navigating his own existential crisis and a series of bizarre romantic entanglements. The story explores themes of death, love, and the absurdity of life through a series of darkly comedic and macabre events.

Review:

Visuals and Cinematography: “Cemetery Man” is visually striking, with a distinctive style that combines gothic horror with surreal imagery. Michele Soavi’s direction creates a visually rich and atmospheric world, with inventive use of color and composition. The film’s set design, costumes, and special effects contribute to its unique and eerie aesthetic, effectively blending horror with dark humor.

Direction and Writing: Michele Soavi’s direction is inventive and unpredictable, infusing the film with a blend of horror and satire. The screenplay, adapted from Tiziano Sclavi’s novel, offers a mix of existential reflections and absurdist humor. The film’s tone is eclectic, combining elements of gothic romance, dark comedy, and zombie horror. The script’s willingness to explore unconventional themes and narrative structures adds to its originality and appeal.

Performances: Rupert Everett delivers a charismatic and enigmatic performance as Francesco Dellamorte, balancing the character’s dark, brooding nature with moments of wit and vulnerability. François Hadji-Lazaro provides an eccentric and memorable performance as Dellamorte’s assistant, Gnaghi. The supporting cast, including Anna Falchi and Clémentine Célarié, adds depth and variety to the film’s strange and humorous world.

Themes: “Cemetery Man” explores themes of death, the meaning of life, and the nature of human relationships. The film’s surreal and often absurd narrative highlights the existential angst of its protagonist while satirizing traditional horror tropes. The juxtaposition of horror elements with dark comedy allows the film to examine deeper philosophical questions in a unique and unconventional manner.

Overall Impression: “Cemetery Man” is a distinctive and influential film in the horror genre, known for its blend of dark comedy, surrealism, and gothic horror. Michele Soavi’s direction and the film’s inventive storytelling make it a memorable and cult-favorite entry. While its unconventional approach and tone may not appeal to everyone, it offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on the zombie genre and existential themes. Its originality and artistic flair have earned it a lasting place in horror cinema.