The Psychic (1977)
 
It is indisputable that the creative peak of Fulci's genre career began in 1979 and ended in 1981.  In this extraordinarily fertile 2 years he directed Zombie, City of the Living Dead, The Beyond, Black Cat and House by the Cemetery, the last 3 of which were all filmed in '81 alone!  These are 5 of the greatest horror films ever and Fulci made it happen in a scant 730 days.  For some perspective, that's about how long today's over hyped, flash in the pan wunderkid's spend virally marketing their derivative, direct to video slasher flicks that will be forgotten the moment you pop them out of your DVD player.
 
The reason I mention these other films in my review for The Psychic is that they are all the product of Fulci's directing acumen in concert with the cinematography of Sergio Salvati, the writing of Dardano Sacchetti and the music of Fabio Frizzi.  The Psychic marked the first time Fulci worked with all 3 men and the result was a tantalizing appetizer for the exquisite 5-course meal that was yet to come.
 
Its story is a Giallo-esque potboiler that concerns a wealthy woman who begins having preternatural visions of a murder victim and someone being walled up a la the works of Edgar Allen Poe.  This kicks off a whirlwind investigation that embroils her in long suppressed and salacious secrets, not to mention disturbing revelations that lead inexorably to mortal danger.
 
To divulge any more details would only detract from the enjoyment inherent in the convoluted and near comically involved plotline.  Suffice to say, Fulci's direction is steady, assured and patient.  His approach is akin to forensic detective meets still life painter and couldn't be more perfectly suited to convey the endlessly unspooling mystery.
 
The acting is above par and Jennifer O’Neill acquits herself admirably in the lead role.  Her aristocratic peepers make a great subject for ocular close-ups and Fulci takes full advantage of them with his beloved eyeball zooms, employed here with such frequency as to border on parody.
 
While not outright horror, this is a wicked tale well told and a perfect primer to the works of the great Lucio Fulci.
 
3 out of 4

reviewed by Matt Risnes

© Copyright 2009 John Shatzer