10 Underappreciated 90s Horror Movies
2. Dellamorte Dellamore (AKA Cemetery Man)
Oftentimes, when a prominent actor has had an early leading role in a supernatural horror movie, this becomes the subject of some ridicule; an embarrassing early turn the star would sooner forget. Not so in Rupert Everett's case, as his role in 1994's Dellamorte Dellamore (released in the US as Cemetery Man) is most definitely nothing to be ashamed of.
It's another one which, written down, sounds straightforward enough. Everett is Francesco Dellamorte, groundskeeper of a cemetery whose job carries a little more responsibility than most, as the dead interred there have a tendency to wake up again.
However, far from a run-of-the-mill zombie killer, Dellamorte is a troubled, romantic soul. His duties, and his infatuation with a beautiful widow (Anna Falchi), plunge him into a surreal existential crisis, and it soon becomes hard to tell where the real world ends and the nightmare begin.
The career highlight of Italian horror director Michele Soavi, Dellamorte Dellamore is one of those films that clearly isn't for everyone - but those who click with it are liable to fall madly in love. It's a truly one-of-a-kind blend of absurdist humour, introspective drama, zombie horror and romance. Even after multiple viewings it will leave you with questions you still can't find answers to; but this is a compelling, rather than frustrating sensation.
Still, if you seek baser pleasures from your horror movies, fear not; Dellamorte Dellamore also boasts some terrific zombie designs and creepy FX, as well as one of the most memorable sex scenes in horror history.