Francesco Dellamorte (Rupert Everett), lives and works at the local cemetery in the strange town of Buffalora. The cemetery is hit by a plague which re-animates the freshly buried dead. Dellamorte has to deal with this little problem, a task which he nonchalantly carries out with the help of his assistant, Gnaghi (Francoise Hadji-Lazaro), by shooting the newly risen before anyone notices and the inconsiderate undead jeopardise his job. Dellamorte's tedious life changes when a beautiful widow (Anna Falchi) arrives at the cemetery to mourn her departed husband. Dellamorte is captivated by the mourning lovely, but things start to go horribly wrong and this gothic romance turns into a surreal fantasy, as Dellamorte's grip on reality begins to slip.

Dellamorte Dellamore, or Cemetery Man (sigh), as it‘s been released as in the States, is a delightful, unique film from Michele Soavi. Rupert Everett is superb as the world-weary Francesco Dellamorte. His wry comments and the matter of fact way he deals with the problem of the reanimated newly dead at his cemetery, make him an unusual and likeable character. Francoise Hadji-Lazaro is also impressive as the uber bizarro Gnaghi. Between them they form an often hilarious, and occasionally moving partnership.  Finnish born model turned actress, Anna Falchi, provides some ravishing eye candy.

The story has some genuinely poignant and sensitive moments amongst the gore and burlesque, and the ending is totally unexpected and quite extraordinary.  The camera work, acting, storyline and soundtrack are all excellent. Michele Soavi has managed to avoid all of the usual cliches associated with a horror/comedy and created a marvelous, original film. Highly recommended. S.J.T.

Dellamorte Dellamore. 1994

Directed by Michele Soavi 

© carnivalofthegrotesque.co.uk 2006-2008