Ænigma

Minor film by Lucio Fulci, who, after a half-decade hiatus, makes his horror comeback with a plot halfway between Brian De Palma’s “Carrie” (1976) and the Australian film “Patrick” (1978).

Long gone is the splendor of his “trilogy of death” films, and the director’s trademark visionary flair is decidedly scaled down here as budgetary constraints make themselves felt (the film was shot in Yugoslavia with local actresses who were less than convincing). Despite all that, Fulci hasn’t lost his touch and somehow manages to put together a product which retains a measure of dignity. The film’s poor reputation seems overly harsh.

“Ænigma” hits the bull’s eye on at least two counts: first, the grim, deadly atmosphere that permeates the entire story; and second, the viciousness with which the director depicts the current mood of ugliness and immorality (there’s not even a hint of any redeeming character among the cynical girls who’ve grown up in a fantasy world of Stallone/Cruise movies and the bungling, womanizing doctors).

Blood flows sparingly and special effects are wisely rationed. Among noteworthy scenes, the schoolgirl suffocated to death by mollusks comes to mind, as well as Dr. Anderson’s “cannibal” nightmare. Grim.