Review of Four of the Apocalypse (1975) by Jens R — 27 Oct 2008

I have seen many Fulci films, and they range from breathtaking, lyrical masterpieces, with astonishing technical wizardry (films 100 times the budget are most often not in the same league, when it comes to the sheer technical mastery (as well as the more lyrical, artistic aspects) to more mediocre (yet interesting) offerings like Conquest.

This is the first Western I have seen from Fulci, although it does definitely have a spaghetti feel to it, he still does something truly original with the genre. Backed up by a fantastic, emotionally poignant script, a gorgeous score (which sounds kind of like 70s country western music) and amazing arid landscapes, this is a real corker!

The story is strange and surreal, but never ends up feeling contrived. The love sub plot between the prostitute and the bounty hunter is actually truly affectionate and very sweet! Something I was not expecting from Fulci (yes, there has been love sub plots in his other films, but this is the first time I seen one which is not merely intended to generate sleaze and nudity, which, don't get me wrong, is wonderful as well!

For those of you who only know Fulci as a director of stylish, psychologically charged giallos and/ or ultra gory zombie movies, this is well worth a look, you will fin out (like I did) that there is a lot more to this brilliant director than most people seem to think.