And God Said to Cain is a 1970 movie directed by Antonio Margheriti.
WHAT HAPPENS?
A recently freed man enacts revenge on the family that framed him for a crime.
ONE LINE REVIEW
And God Said to Cain is an incredibly original and enjoyable, moody, Gothic Western.
THE ACTORS
Klaus Kinski stars as Gary Hamilton, a man framed for a crime and sentenced to hard labor. After being pardoned, he methodically gains revenge on the family that turned on him. Kinski shows atypical restraint throughout the movie, delivering a quiet but remarkably expressive performance. In some respects, the movie doesn’t exactly require Kinski – although his signature intense eyes helps to convey the story’s murky, Gothic feel.
The rest of the supporting cast aren’t noteworthy – Peter Carsten’s Acombar – the character Kinski’s Hamilton is pursuing – overacts and doesn’t feel like a true antagonist. However, his goofy facial expressions match well with the movie’s melodramatic feel. Marcella Michelangeli steals scenes as the tormented Maria. Her melancholic glances and moody piano playing convey a Giallo sensibility amidst the occurring violence.
THE DIRECTOR
Antonio Margheriti blends elements of Giallo and traditional Westerns in telling Hamilton’s story. Kinski’s Hamilton presents more as a ghost – hiding in the shadows, picking off Acombar’s thugs. These deaths are subdued and delivered in suspenseful pieces. We enter scenes that reveal a hung, dead body – rather than watching a typical Western shootout. Similarly, the use of natural sounds – howling winds, drips of water and ringing bells – create an air of mystery around the killings.
THE BEST – The Preacher’s Death Scene
Marco Morelli’s Preacher seems to exist to add some Gothic organ music to the movie. However, when he is shot by a frantic Acombar, he reaches up to play some final notes in a brilliant and hilarious death scene.
THE BEST Part 2 – The Final Shootout
Kinski and Carsten engage in a final duel that rivals Enter the Dragon’s mirror scene. It’s a fun visceral experience as Hamilton continues to emerge while Carsten grows more despondent.
THE WORST – The Clueless Son
Antonio Cantafora portrays Acombar’s bland son, Dick – who returns home to learn of his father’s past transgressions. However, for most of the movie, he’s blissfully unaware of Hamilton’s murder spree – even as he listens to endless gunfire.
THE WORST Part Two – The Curse of Ron Burgundy
I’m beginning to realize there are several European actors of this time who resemble Will Ferrell’s character. And while it’s completely petty, these resemblances ruin my viewing. Similar to Maurizio Merli, once I see Ron Burgundy, I can’t unsee him.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4/5
And God Said to Cain is a unique blend of genres. Essentially a Giallo Western, the movie presents a mysterious, melancholic atmosphere that allows an effective, subdued Kinski to emerge.
