Don't torture a duckling

Lucio Fulci (1972, Italy)

Cast: Florinda Bolkan, Barbara Bouchet, Tomas Milian, Irene Papas

Plot:
In Sicily, Italy, a psycho killer is going around hacking up young boys. The first clues lead to a gypsy witch, which locals kindly dispose of. But additional murders happen, and evidence soon points to a series of other suspects. A journalist team up with a hot city girl take it on them to discover the truth, which is more shocking than the crimes themselves (or so they say..).

Appreciation: 6/10
If you see this movie expecting gore, zombies, or shocking stuff (usually in Fulci's movies) you'll be sorely disappointed as I was. Advertised as being provocative and shocking, I thought, oh great, it's Fulci, it's gotta be a great horror flick. But, this is more of what they call a "giallo", a detective movie where you try to guess who's the killer until the end. And in that perspective it's a good movie of it's kind I guess (must remind myself again, not to expect anything when I see a movie..).
Perhaps in the early 70s this was considered shocking content (esp. the anti-catolic views), but again, don't expect to be shocked unless you're a profound catholic (in which case you wouldn't be reading this anyways).
But there are a few twists to the genre, in particular the 2 gore scenes (the witch beaten with chains, the priest at the end), but they seemed oddly out of place in that movie. Also the music, which I found to be funny most of the time. The sensual Italian ballad playing while the priest is falling (and at other times) is a memorable thing. I dunno if it was intentionally funny or not, but rarely have I seen a movie where the music didn't seem to fit with the actual scenes as much as in this one. But I sure as hell am not gonna complain.
Aside from that, the acting is well done and the first scene with Barbara Bouchet will make you drool. If only they'd push her pedophiliac side a bit more.. :p
Again, this is not a pure horror movie. You've been warned.

Other suggestions: Bird with the crystal plumage