THE GATES OF HELL TRILOGYThis trilogy is an unofficial string of movies that Lucio Fulci filmed over the course of two years. They all seem to have the same fever dream-like quality that he is apparently well known for, and as a first time viewer of his work it took me by surprise, but by the end of this first film I was definitely a new found fan. Every one of these films had an atmosphere and feel to it that I can only describe as my own personal golden standard. The colors and lighting were all very much on point, the music fits all the films well and sits with you for some time after, the gore is exaggerated but very well done, and the pacing is very nice.
While I do love these movies, and they are as a trilogy new all time favorites, they are not without flaw.
The main problem being the plot in the movies. It seems like the plot took a back seat to atmosphere and visuals, like i said in the first paragraph there is a very fever-dream feel to them. The actors don't seem to match the current situation at times, they will react in very different ways than someone might think they should. There will be insane things going on around them but they just don't seem to mind. Sometimes the camera will randomly zoom onto things with almost no relevence to the story or the current situation. And sometimes odd things will happen with characters that might make you think they're just a figment of someone in the story's imagination. The other main thing is the voice over quality, as it definitely leaves a lot to be desired at times, but if you speak Italian you can always watch the originals.
I won't go in depth about the story of the movies as they're very hard to describe. I recommend watching the series and determining that for yourselves!
~8/10~City of the Living Dead (1980)A reporter and a psychic race to close the Gates of Hell after the suicide of a clergyman caused them to open, allowing the dead to rise from their graves.
TRAILERFULL MOVIEThe Beyond (1981) A young woman inherits an old hotel in Louisiana where after a series of supernatural 'accidents', she learns that the building was built over one of the entrances to Hell.
TRAILERFULL MOVIEThis is a paid youtube version to see, as i could not locate a free version to watch.
House by the Cemetery (1981)A New England home is terrorized by a series of murders, unbeknownst to the guests that a gruesome secret is hiding in the basement.
I wanted to say this movie is my second favorite in the series, my first being The Beyond. the reason I say this, is because it could have easily been my favorite, if it were not for the voiceover, and the kid Bob. **** Bob, Bob can go to hell. This kid ruins what could have been one of my all time favorites.
TRAILERFULL MOVIE