Post by Nobody on Oct 9, 2006 17:21:31 GMT -5
Anthropophagus (Special Edition) By Lust del Carrion
Directed by: Joe D'Amato
Released by: Shriek Show
Approximate Running Time: 88 minutes
Rating: Unrated
Region Coding: NTSC Region 1
A group of tourists take a boat ride to a remote island. On the island they find a small and seemingly deserted town. However, they spot a mysterious woman, but when they try to follow her she seems to vanish. This woman turns out to be the least of their worries as they start to find themselves being stalked by a malevolent presence. Trying to get off the island alive, they stumble upon an old mansion where they find clues to what may have happened in the past, and what is stalking them now. It may be to late for them though.
Anthropophagus has made a name for itself after being banned and censored in several countries. However, there is actually very little gore in the film. There is the notorious fetus-eating scene, and the scene just before the ending which most likely caused it to be put on the 'video nasty' list during the '80s in the U.K., and be banned elsewhere.
The film starts off with two killings right after the opening credits are done, but after that it just drags along. The whole middle part of the film is very boring to watch. Finally the film starts to pick up again during the last twenty or thirty minutes. The main characters start meeting their deaths as their stalker really puts on the chase. The chase scenes through the catacombs and the old mansion have a great atmosphere, and should keep you on the edge of your seat. The film actually manages to build up quite a bit of tension and suspense during some of the scenes in the mansion.
Anthropophagus doesn't quite live up to it's reputation though. Despite the last twenty or so minutes, the film is a very boring watch as I mentioned above. I have never considered Joe D'Amato to be a great filmmaker, but I sure do enjoy a lot of his films. It's a shame this film couldn't have been better, because I really liked the idea and story. If your into exploitation, Italian cinema, or your just a big fan of Joe D'Amato, then I would still recommend you check it out. I think the film has to atleast be seen once for those notorious scenes of gore which should have made up more of the movie.
The DVD package that Shriek Show put together for Anthropophagus is very nice. This is the first time the film has ever been released in North America fully uncut. Although there is no commentary, the first disc contains no less than four different trailers for the film, and some trailers for other Shriek Show titles. The big extra comes on the second disc though. It contains a 67 minute documentary on Joe D'Amato, which is properly titled Joe D'Amato: Totally Uncut 2. The documentary is actually a continuation of the one found on Shriek Show's release for Images In A Convent. There is also a 12 minute interview with Zora Kerova and George Eastman. This 2 disc set of Anthropophagus is worth picking up for the documentary on Joe D'Amato alone.
Extras
Disc 1:
* Promotional trailer
* Trailers
Disc 2:
* Joe D'Amato documentary Totally Uncut Two
* Zora Kerova & George Eastman Public Appearance 2005
* Alt. US theatrical opening
* Photo gallery
* Trailers
Score
Film: 2.5 out of 5
DVD: 4 out of 5
Directed by: Joe D'Amato
Released by: Shriek Show
Approximate Running Time: 88 minutes
Rating: Unrated
Region Coding: NTSC Region 1
A group of tourists take a boat ride to a remote island. On the island they find a small and seemingly deserted town. However, they spot a mysterious woman, but when they try to follow her she seems to vanish. This woman turns out to be the least of their worries as they start to find themselves being stalked by a malevolent presence. Trying to get off the island alive, they stumble upon an old mansion where they find clues to what may have happened in the past, and what is stalking them now. It may be to late for them though.
Anthropophagus has made a name for itself after being banned and censored in several countries. However, there is actually very little gore in the film. There is the notorious fetus-eating scene, and the scene just before the ending which most likely caused it to be put on the 'video nasty' list during the '80s in the U.K., and be banned elsewhere.
The film starts off with two killings right after the opening credits are done, but after that it just drags along. The whole middle part of the film is very boring to watch. Finally the film starts to pick up again during the last twenty or thirty minutes. The main characters start meeting their deaths as their stalker really puts on the chase. The chase scenes through the catacombs and the old mansion have a great atmosphere, and should keep you on the edge of your seat. The film actually manages to build up quite a bit of tension and suspense during some of the scenes in the mansion.
Anthropophagus doesn't quite live up to it's reputation though. Despite the last twenty or so minutes, the film is a very boring watch as I mentioned above. I have never considered Joe D'Amato to be a great filmmaker, but I sure do enjoy a lot of his films. It's a shame this film couldn't have been better, because I really liked the idea and story. If your into exploitation, Italian cinema, or your just a big fan of Joe D'Amato, then I would still recommend you check it out. I think the film has to atleast be seen once for those notorious scenes of gore which should have made up more of the movie.
The DVD package that Shriek Show put together for Anthropophagus is very nice. This is the first time the film has ever been released in North America fully uncut. Although there is no commentary, the first disc contains no less than four different trailers for the film, and some trailers for other Shriek Show titles. The big extra comes on the second disc though. It contains a 67 minute documentary on Joe D'Amato, which is properly titled Joe D'Amato: Totally Uncut 2. The documentary is actually a continuation of the one found on Shriek Show's release for Images In A Convent. There is also a 12 minute interview with Zora Kerova and George Eastman. This 2 disc set of Anthropophagus is worth picking up for the documentary on Joe D'Amato alone.
Extras
Disc 1:
* Promotional trailer
* Trailers
Disc 2:
* Joe D'Amato documentary Totally Uncut Two
* Zora Kerova & George Eastman Public Appearance 2005
* Alt. US theatrical opening
* Photo gallery
* Trailers
Score
Film: 2.5 out of 5
DVD: 4 out of 5
HMaM Global Mod
