October 25, 2007

Anthropophagus (D'Amato, 1980)


"It's not fear that tears you apart...it's him!"

Anthropophagus is my introduction to the exploitation cinema of Joe D'Amato, and I can't say that I'm impressed. In an interview on the DVD, George Eastman, star and co-writer of the film says, "the film was made in order to make money, there wasn't any other artistic purpose." This statement sums up the reason for the ultimate failure of Joe D'Amato's amateurish gore flick perfectly. It can't really be seen as a proper film. With such threadbare characterizations and plotting, it is more like a rather a crudely assembled collection of scenes of shocking violence. And though there are some effective, atmospheric bits and pieces, they are so few and far between that they are more likely the product of luck rather than any real skill. Watching this on the heels of Let's Scare Jessica To Death further illuminates the vast divide between quality low-budget filmmaking, and work done fast and cheap, simply to turn a buck. Considering its reputation, there is nothing really commendable about D'Amato's cult shocker, and that is quite a disappointment.

Film Rating: D+
Scare Factor: C

View Date: 10/24
Shocktober Horror Film Count: #19

No comments: