Smoreni Zmaj Stuart Gordon, to horror fans known for adaptations of H.P. Lovecraft (Re-Animator, From Beyond, Castle Freak, Dagon, and second episode of this show), this time goes for adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Black Cat". This episode is very faithful to both the original material and the real life of the famous writer, and it is a real refresh in a series that has become quite monotonous. The film follows Poe trying to write a new story, while at the same time cares about his wife suffering from tuberculosis and struggles with poverty and alcoholism. The story is chaotic and confusing, but very atmospheric, and Jeffrey Combs perfectly plays the role of an alcoholic who sinks deeper and deeper into madness. Sepia colors greatly contribute to the dark atmosphere. The only thing standing out from sepia is color of blood and it makes gore scenes extremely striking. The piano scene is perhaps the best I've seen in this series. Together with the adaptation of "Dreams in the Witch-House" by H.P. Lovecraft, also directed by Stuart Gordon, "The Black Cat" is, in my opinion, the highlight of "Masters of Horror" and makes Stuart Gordon the most successful director of the series.8/10

maniacalmacabre90 I'd heard that the second season of MASTERS of HORROR was really bad so going into this a had very low expectations. Every body knows the e.a.p. Story the black cat, nut seldom do the film adaptations follow it closely. This version is VERY complimentary of that story, they even went that extra mile in making the actor look almost exactly like Edgar Allen Poe. I was pleasantly surprised by how graphic the violence was depicted. I really loved this movie. In fact the only bad thing I can say about it is the ending *SPOILER*The ending is just a crock of sh!t! They pull that whole it was all a dream bit. And it's like really? After enjoying every minute up till that point and than boom! Nose dive!

Paul Magne Haakonsen Not being familiar with the works of Poe does not, and should not, keep you from watching this episode of the Masters of Horror series.The story is well chiseled out and grips you firmly and keeps you nailed to the seat till the very end. The entire atmosphere is marvelous. There are so many small and fine details. It has a very gloomy feel to it, which heightens the experience all together.And of course the cast plays a huge part. They all shined through here, putting on good performances and bringing their characters to life in a believable fashion. Especially Jeffrey Combs, wow! He is amazing in this role.There is a constant underlying feel of dread and frustration to "The Black Cat", and it works so well. The effects are good, and you will be kept thrilled till the very end. No major scares though, but that doesn't really matter, because the intense feeling from the atmosphere more than makes up for that.There certainly are a vast difference in appeal and quality to the episodes of the Masters of Horror series, and for me, this is one of the better. It is genuinely thrilling and compelling without being over the top.

oligarquiachacarera-1 Some directors needs to show a cat been mutilated for scare. "The black cat" is the worst episode of this series, I think is tie with "the screwfly solution" (Joe Dante), another propanga, women murder instead of animals (maybe Dante thinks a woman is an animal because of that he wants to murder them. "The black cat" shows the worst of Edgar Allan Poe (father of the suspense) and the worst of the human, kill cowardly innocent animals. If you're an animal lover don't watch this episode, besides it's not good with an empty plot, it is humiliating and shows how a poor innocent animal is mutilated, tortured and finally kill. Stuart Gordon I think you did that before, you have s h i t in your head for show this. I'm excuse for my English.