Today, I should highlight Mario Bava’s excellent Black Sunday. Unidis released it across Italy on 12 August 1960. But I just can’t. I have to highlight Four of the Apocalypse. Cineriz released it exactly 15 years later.
Psychotronic freaks will probably say, “You did another Lucio Fulci film yesterday!” Indeed, I did! But there a few reasons I’m doing this. First, I don’t control the release of films! Second, I’m a huge Fulci fan. And third, Four of the Apocalypse is an outstanding film — even better than Black Friday.
The film works well because of its focus on community. Evil people menace the four principals — first by the “respectable people of the town and then by the outlaw Chaco. They survive by working together. But the group disintegrates with two dying, one as good as dead, and the last heartbroken. And another community must come to the rescue of a newborn baby.
I think the film’s combination of brutality and sweetness is why I like it so much. It presents an evil world. But that world also provides a modicum of justice. That’s perfect for me because I wouldn’t believe any more justice than that.
As I recall, Fulci only made three westerns. This is by far the best of them. I place it along with his very best films like The Beyond, The New York Ripper, and Zombie.
I highly recommend watching Four of the Apocalypse. No time like the present! Here’s a good print:
Four of the Apocalypse (1975) poster via Wikipedia under Fair Use.
