Plaisirs pervers

Lucio Fulci, who is sometimes referred to as the "Godfather of Gore" (an honorific he shares with Herschell Gordon Lewis) is best known for horror films in which logic takes a step back to striking visual aesthetics and over-the-top gore. I don't mean this as criticism but rather as an observation in the spirit of acceptance that art does not necessarily always have to make sense.

In DEVIL'S HONEY, Fulci brings the same kind of aesthetics to the erotic thriller genre, and it makes for a movie which contains several scenes that have to be seen to believed. There is no gore to speak of, but it seems Fulci applied the same approach he uses in his gore scenes to his sex scenes.

All the major characters have kinks, and when tragic circumstances bring two of them together in a highly unusual manner-one kidnaps the other as part of a revenge plan-lo and behold, the kinks of the two turn out to complement each other.

This film is not for vanilla lovers. It is hard to categorize, as it is not quite porn and also not mainstream in any sense. There are not very many movies like it out there, the closest I can think of being THE IMAGE (1975) in terms of the kink, and the much tamer SEX &THE OTHER MAN (1995) in terms of the basic concept.

The movie is probably most of interest for those who would like to broaden their horizons in terms of what has been captured on film.

Il miele del diavolo, also known as The Devil's Honey, is a tantalizing yet flawed treat from the master of gore, Lucio Fulci. This 1986 erotic psychodrama is a departure from Fulci's horror roots, offering a heady mix of sex, obsession, and supernatural elements that will leave viewers both intrigued and frustrated.

The story centers on Jessica a young woman who enters into a strange relationship. As the film progresses, Jessica 's world becomes increasingly blurred as she experiences visions of her dead boyfriend and flashbacks that cloud her perception of reality.

One of the film's strengths is its stylistic experimentation. The supernatural elements give the film a surreal, dreamlike quality, enhancing the sense of obsession and desire that permeates the story. The use of flashbacks and visions adds a layer of complexity to Cecilia's character, as we witness her struggle to differentiate between her fantasies and reality.

However, the film's pacing is often sluggish, with the plot meandering at times. While the slow burn approach can build tension in some films, here it feels like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the psychological aspects of the story. The characters' motivations can feel murky, and the relationship at the center of the film fails to ignite with the intensity that the plot demands.

That being said, the film has a certain irresistible allure. The eroticism is tastefully done and integral to the story, enhancing the sense of obsession and desire. The acting is also commendable, with Blanca Marsillach portraying Jessica's descent into confusion and obsession convincingly.

In terms of visuals, Fulci delivers some stunning imagery, showcasing his talent for creating atmospheric, otherworldly scenes. The use of lighting and shadow adds to the film's dreamlike quality, and there are some beautifully composed shots that showcase Fulci's eye for detail.

However, the film's impact is lessened by its failure to fully explore the intriguing themes it presents. The relationship between Jessica and her love interest lacks the depth to make their obsession truly compelling, and the film's conclusion feels rushed and unsatisfying.

Overall, Il miele del diavolo is an intriguing yet imperfect film. While it offers a unique and atmospheric take on erotic thriller tropes, it fails to fully capitalize on its potential, leaving viewers with a sense of unfulfilled promise.

Despite its shortcomings, this devilishly sweet tale will undoubtedly find an audience among Fulci fans and those seeking a surreal, sensual cinematic experience. Just be prepared for a slow burn that doesn't quite ignite as expected.

Lucio Fulci's name has become synonymous with gore; and that is unfortunate, as there's so much more to the great Italian director than just splatter flicks. The four pre-Zombi 2 Giallo films that Fulci made prove this, and there's enough other gems dotted throughout the man's filmography that go a long way towards proving it further; The Devil's Honey being one of them. This is a surprisingly restrained film considering the more famous Fulci flicks, although the lack of gore is somewhat made up for in nudity; as this film is certainly not short on that front. The first twenty minutes aren't a far cry away from being a porn film, and it's not until the first plot point that we realise Fulci does have actually have a story to tell. The plot follows a young man who has an accident (which is completely his own fault) and ends up on the operating table of Doctor Simpson, a man tormented by his nagging wife and questionable manhood. After the young man dies, poor old Doctor Simpson begins receiving irritating phone calls from a woman repeatedly asking why he let the man die. Before long, he finds himself the captive of the vindictive female.

It has to be said that the story plays out well, and while it's not exactly plot heavy; Fulci does a good job of keeping the sexual tension high, and that is highly beneficial since it's the main point of the movie. The film is bound to appeal to sadists and feminists alike, as much of the movie features the young women exacting her revenge on the man she blames for the death of her lover. The main intrigue comes from the relationship between the two leads, as although their acquaintance is based on hatred; they soon develop a perverse love for one another. Perhaps the most surprising thing about this film is the fact that the love doesn't come across as contrived! Fulci sets up the characters so well that it's easy to see how and why this relationship transpires as it does. The only real problem with the film is that Fulci spends a little too much time with flashbacks between the girl and her dead lover, and this takes the focus away from the girl and the doctor, which should always be kept at the forefront of the film. However, The Devil's Honey works well in spite of that and overall this little thriller is well worth seeking out! I'd also like to give a quick mention to the poem that the movie takes its title from, as like the rest of the film - it's rather good!

Lucio Fulci's films are not known for their great scripts, and indeed the storytelling in "Devil's Honey" is often sloppy and the ending is weak. They are known for their gore (almost completely absent here), and their directorial flair (some of which is present here). Of course this is a rather atypical outing for Fulci (his answer to "9 ½ Weeks", perhaps?), and it works mostly thanks to Blanca Marsillach's surprisingly good performance: she's a beautiful young woman with a perfect body who walks around in the nude a lot, but beyond her looks she gives more depth than you'd expect to her character, making her innocent and curious (and easily aroused!) at first, sadistic and vengeful in the second half (I loved those little smirks that showed how much pleasure she got from her power over her male captive), but always very human underneath. Although she is 3rd-billed, make no mistake: she is the star of this film (2nd-billed Corinne Clery has a relatively small part, but she DOES get fully nude as well!). This is why this erotic thriller is so much more "erotic" than "thriller": who wouldn't want to be captured by a woman like Blanca and become her plaything? **1/2 out of 4.

This is a movie that opens with a man erotically blowing a saxophone up against a woman's vagina. That's really all you need to know. If that offends you, best to leave now before your head explodes. If it sounds like a hoot to you, come sit by me.