Cannibal Holocaust: Alleged Snuff Film

Directed by: Ruggero Deodato

Produced by Franco Palaggi

Release date(s): February 7, 1980 (Italy)
June 19, 1984 (US)

Genre: Horror

MPAA Rating: NR

Running time: 96 minutes

Ruggero Deodato is the Brilliant italian director who is behind the making of this film. Cannibal Holocaust is shrouded in so much controversy, it makes this a must see horror flick. The film was confiscated days after its premiere due to allegations of it being a snuff film. Deadato was arrested on and eventually charged with obscenity and murder, due to the fact that he made the cast sign a contract stating they won’t appear in any films or media of any sort for a year. The contract was to enforce the idea that this was real footage uncovered in the amazon. Eventually Deadato was able to gather the four main actors to prove his innocence, but that didn’t stop them from not releasing the film in the US and several other Countries. Although there was no actual murder in the film, it is not for the weak stomached due to its graphic Animal Cruelty. Yes folks; they slaughter real animals in this film, and it gets brutal.

The storyline is predictable, but none the less fascinating. A documentary crew goes off into the Amazon to shoot two of the native tribes at war. The tribes turn out to be  (You guessed it) cannibals. The documentary film makers proceed to be killed or die of exposure while the camera still rolls.

The acting in this film is under par, and the cast never really got into any projects bigger than low budget horror films and small roles in some bigger films (Kerman as the tugboat captain in Spiderman) . but the actions in this movie speak louder than the script. It is a riveting film full of graphic nudity, violence, and scenes that will make your stomach turn. Your mind will constantly be wondering if this really is a snuff film, due to the large number of natives (especially in the burning hut scene) that were not credited. It is a horror film like none other that I’ve seen. There is a real aspect of horror in this movie. Unlike the high budge, special effect driven horror movies of today that are driven by scenes that make you jump. This film hits horror on a whole other level.

6.5/10