[urgeok]

Originally posted by EXTR3MIST
Good points from both urgeok & 42ndStreetFreak here -

Cannibal Holocaust is a prime example of a love it or hate it movie; there is simply no in between.

Detractors may well dismiss it as simply "blood & guts", and all the more reprehensible with the real animal slaughter... but it is not accurate to slate the acting or aesthetic qualities - and certainly not the unique premise or unsettling angle of the film.

The fake "found" documentary approach was a superb idea, copied most recently by the makers of The Blair Witch Project - the acting in both of these films is very natural and appropriate; remember, we are watching actors playing people who are specifically putting on a show for the camera. Add to this Deodato's controversial "who are the real cannibals?" social commentary, the ingenious mixed bag of real/unreal footage (already earlier highlighted by myself and zwoti) and we have a lot more going on here than insane violence and taboo breaking.

Because some folk may only "see" the graphic violence brings into play what each of us may "get" from watching certain possibly meaningful and maybe artful films... some observers look too deeply into supposed allegory in movies (we've all read a lot of deep shit about the likes of Star Wars, but I only see whiz-bang space battles and cool aliens!), but I think in this case I must agree Cannibal Holocaust is an excellent film that stirs the brain on many levels.

This may not sit comfortably due to the high level of exploitation going on, but the film is a tour-de-force that simply must be acknowledged - and indeed, has already been acknowledged as an important piece of celluloid by many established commentators.

this is the level of discussion i can appreciate.