Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

Director: Ruggero Deodato

Starring: Robert Kerman, Francesca Ciardi, Perry Pirkanen

During a rescue mission into the Amazon rainforest, a professor stumbles across lost film shot by a missing documentary crew.

For many years I vowed never to watch ‘Cannibal Holocaust’ – for various reasons. One of the main reasons was due to the fact the film contain scenes of actual animal torture/killings. ‘Cannibal Holocaust’ is undoubtedly one of the most controversial films ever made. Some of the kill scenes in the film are so realistic that director Ruggero Deodato was even summoned to court on murder accusations.

So, what made me watch it after being a ‘Cannibal Holocaust’ virgin for so many years? Who knows? I actually decided on the spur of the moment to watch it, and although it is probably one of the most unpleasant films you’ll ever watch, I’m glad I watched it. (I knew beforehand which animals were being tortured, so I actually forwarded those scenes so it wouldn’t be stuck in my mind).

‘Cannibal Holocaust’ can be seen as the original found footage film, way before the genre became popularized in modern culture. This low budget Italian shocker effectively incorporated the found footage style film making. Four young filmmakers went into a jungle called The Green Inferno in the Amazon to make a documentary on cannibals. They never returned, and now a rescue team is sent to investigate.

Leading the investigation, is Professor Harold Monroe (portrayed by hunky porn star turned mainstream actor Robert Kerman. I actually thought Kerman did a wonderful job as Monroe.) He is guided by Chaco and his assistant Miguel, as well as a young man who is able to communicate with the cannibals.

When the film crew’s camera equipment is found and taken back to the city, a Broadcasting Company wants Monroe to make a documentary on what happened to the film crew. The found footage reveals what happened to the young film makers – and this was the most disgusting part about the film. ‘Cannibal Holocaust’ is not as cringe worthy gory as I expected. The film crew’s actions and how they treated the cannibals were what shocked me the most. They were revolting people and looking for trouble. They were unlikable characters who deserved their fate. I didn’t root for them at all, and also never sympathized with them. They were horrible, disgusting people. The final 10 minutes where they show us how the crew met their fate, were the film’s most uncomfortable moments.

There’s plenty of male and female full frontal nudity, but it never felt like sexual exploitation. On the contrary, in the context of the film, it felt natural. The performances felt so real, its no wonder many believed actors were mistreated, or even killed on screen.

‘Cannibal Holocaust’ is not a film I can recommend. You have to be a die hard horror fan to be able to sit through it. And even then, its not an easy watch.

Would I watch it again? Although it was actually better than expected (hopefully without sounding like a sadist!), I somehow don’t think so. Kerman’s portrayal definitely was the film’s highlight.

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