Best Italian horror flick?

[Abbot Mike]

I got to go with Susperia on this one guys......

[chingdog]

Very hard to decide but I will go with Black Sunday...

[zwolf1]

Cool deal, they expanded and added some stuff! Thanks, guys! :)

My favorite Italian horror flick changes from day to day, often centering on what I watched last (which, in this case, is Long Hair of Death with Barbara Steele). But, overall, I have this strong fondness for Bava's Kill Baby Kill. I like all Bava, but that one works for me somehow... the creepy shots of the little girl. (You can see similar shots in Fellini's segment of Spirits of the Dead, but Bava did some cinematography for that, so it's pretty certain where that came from...).

Suspiria and Black Sunday are both definite contenders, too.

Can't wait until Pupi Avati's House With The Laughing Windows comes out in a couple months, I've heard such good things about that one, can't wait...

[darrenbleer]

A favourite film from a genre that subdivides into so many genres is alway difficult, but if we're talking Gialli, then mine has to be Fulci's Dont Torture a Duckling - it's got the lot - plot, gore, social commentary, oh, and really cool ironic use of music a la Tarantino 20 years before Reservoir Dogs

[HwangJangLee]

All I've seen is a few Dario Argento films, can anyone reccomend any other Italian horror films (and advise on where to get them)

Also, does anyone know what films Goblin did the soundtrack to ??

[monwobobbo]

you can't beat the italian zombie movies IMO. i love

ZOMBIE(2)

ZOMBIE 3

NIGHTMARE CITY

ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST

and to a lesser extent

THE BEYOND (7 DOORS OF DEATH)

HOUSE BY THE CEMETARY

DEMONS 1&2

THE CHURCH

[zwolf1]

"All I've seen is a few Dario Argento films, can anyone reccomend any other Italian horror films (and advise on where to get them)

Also, does anyone know what films Goblin did the soundtrack to ??"

Let's see, recommendations... Argento is an excellent representative so you're in good shape. Try to see all his movies. It's hard to pick a favorite there, although I usually lean toward Deep Red or Suspiria... but, on certain days I'd say Inferno or Tenebrae or Opera or Phenomena... The earlier ones, Bird with the Crystal Plumage and Cat O' Nine Tails, are a bit slower, but I've come to appreciate them with time. The newer ones - Sleepless and Stendhal Syndrome and Trauma - aren't quite as great, but they're also interesting, just flawed (mainly by some bad CGI effects in the case of Stendhal.).

The other big (or even bigger, really) director would be Mario Bava. Bava is *GOD*. My favorite Bava is Kill Baby Kill, but a lot of people like Black Sunday (aka Mask of Satan) better and I can't fault ?em. Other essential Bava include Whip And The Body (a *beautiful*, perverse, dark gothic horror film starring Christopher Lee), Shock (aka Beyond the Door 2, even though it had nothing to do with Beyond the Door... it's a seriously creepy movie, with one of the biggest jump-out-of-your-seat scenes ever filmed), Blood and Black Lace (the *first* giallo film), Twitch of the Death Nerve (aka Bay Of Blood - it was the prototype for all the "Friday the 13th" stalker/gore/slasher movies, which even copied the killings), Lisa and the Devil (a weird, beautiful, creepy meditation on death... Telly Savalas plays the Devil and this is the movie where he developed his use of lollipops, that he carried over into the Kojak TV show), Baron Blood, Planet of the Vampires, and the anthology film with Boris Karloff, Black Sabbath (the episode about the woman who steals a ring from a corpse will make you not want to walk around the house in the dark for a while). A very good but hard-to-find Bava is Rabid Dogs, which is a crime movie, kind of like what might've happened if they'd set Reservoir Dogs in a speeding car. Hercules in the Haunted World is *amazing* - get this even if you don't usually like Hercules movies. Lesser (but still worth checking out) Bava is Hatchet for the Honeymoon, Five Dolls for an August Moon (this one's a little hard to get into, but it's kind of strange... Bava hated making it) and I, Vampiri (which he only co-directed... it's mainly important for being one of the first Italian horror films since the sound era).

Anything with Barbara Steele is good. There's an uncut version of Nightmare Castle (one of my faves) coming out soon, under the title The Faceless Monster. I'd wait for that version instead of buying any of the cheap DVDs of Nightmare Castle - the Faceless Monster version should be letterboxed and with about 20 minutes of extra footage. Castle of Blood is out on a nice DVD, definitely worth snagging. Most of the others you'd have to get from Sinister Cinema. Sinister Cinema only sells videotapes and DVD-Rs, so make sure your player can handle DVD-R. They're not super-quality or anything, but not bad... worth getting to have until somebody puts out a more deluxe edition. Some of their Barbara Steele titles on DVD-R are Terror Creatures from the Grave Long Hair of Death, and The Terror of Dr. Hitchcock. The sequel to Dr. Hitchcock, titled The Ghost, is available on one of those Brentwood ten-movie box-sets, "Fright Night" (which also contains other Italian or Spanish films - Kill Baby Kill (like I said, my favorite Bava), Devil's Nightmare (lots of nudity and pretty creepy, definitely worth having), Pieces (pretty bad chainsaw-killer flick, but worth getting for cheap), Kiss Me Kill Me (bizarre movie about a girl obsessed by a strange witch-woman and her dominatrix doll), and The Night Evelyn Came out of the Grave (although if you like this one you should get the Sinister Cinema version because they cut this version of Evelyn up by several minutes). Brentwood's "Tales of Terror" box set also has some Italian horror - a version of Deep Red (I'd go with the uncut version instead of the Brentwood American-release version, but if you want to see if you'd like it for cheap, then this ain't bad), Web of the Spider (a remake of Castle of Blood by the same director), House on the Edge of the Park (extremely unpleasant David Hess psycho-slasher, with him terrorizing people at a party), Lady Frankenstein (cheap but fun) and The Werewolf and The Vampire Woman (there's a DVD of this Spanish Paul Naschy classic out in much better shape, under the title Werewolf Shadow, but again, if you want to try it out for cheap and see if you need an upgrade, then this is good for that).

Lucio Fulci is another director who must be checked out, especially if you like gore... some of his biggies are Zombie, Don't Torture a Duckling, House by the Cemetery, The Beyond (aka Seven Doors of Death... although the Beyond titling is more uncut), and City of the Living Dead (aka Gates of Hell). There are others, but those are a good start... some of the other stuff that's coming out on DVD lately are the dregs of his career, things he made for TV while he was sick and dying. They're worth a look for the Fulci fanatic, but those I just listed are the best.

Then there are lots of other genre films... there's a giallo box set that's worth getting, and What Have You Done to Solange is a must. Plenty of good zombie films... one of my faves is Burial Ground, just for the gore and weirdness (jeez, that kid, what is with him?!?) and Zombie Holocaust (aka Dr. Butcher MD). Then there's the cannibal movies, which are an acquired taste... Cannibal Ferox, aka Make Them Die Slowly is probably the apex of that, until Cannibal Holocaust comes out on DVD (and it will before long). Then you have other things, like The Church, Stagefright, Cannibal Apocalypse (which isn't really one of the cannibal movies... it's also known as Invasion of the Flesh Hunters), and Cannibal Man, etc. One other terribly-under-represented director is Pupi Avati... his only film on DVD so far is Zeder, but it's definitely worth checking out. His masterpiece House with the Laughing Windows will be out soon...

Anyway, all of this stuff (provided it's still in print) should be available from DVDPlanet, Amazon, or any other major DVD-seller. I usually use DVDPlanet myself, but there are other good places. For some more-obscure, not-out-on-official-DVD-yet Italian/Spanish titles like Horror Castle, A Bell From Hell, Eerie Midnight Horror Show, some Barbara Steele, etc., then you can check Sinister Cinema's online store...


As for Goblin, here's an article on them : http://www.goblin.org/audioart.html

Dawn of the Dead (same music used in Hell of the Living Dead, aka Night of the Zombies)
Suspiria (Argento)
Sleepless (Argento)
Phenomena (Argento)
(Tenebrae, Demons, Opera - at least one member of Goblin did soundtrack work on those three, all Argento)
Deep Red (Argento)
Patrick
Buio Omega (Beyond The Darkness, aka Blue Holocaust... it's on DVD but be aware, there is some hardcore gore in this thing... for years it was rumored that they used a real donated human corpse for the graphic autopsy scenes (it wasn't - they used a dead pig), and the whole necrophilia storyline disturbs a lot of people)

Sorry this is all sloppy, I gotta get to work, but I figured it's a lot of info to start with. You can look into any of these titles on http://www.imdb.com and see which look interesting to you. I'm missing a zillion things, but I can always get back to that later... :)

[gorlank]

I love the Beyond, especially for the ultra lovely Katharine MacColl.

Two party faves are Demons 1 and 2, lots of gore, nonsensical plot but tons of fast paced fun.

[kungfusamurai]

I've always been disappointed with Italian horror. Those guys are too weird and they just throw in stuff for no reason just to scare people. Kind of like The Grudge. I think the only film I thought was good from beginning to end was Don't Torture A Duckling. And part of Black Sabbath. Phenomena was also okay.

Italian films I've seen but didn't like too much:

Black Sunday
Suspiria
Tenebrae
Inferno
Zombie
City of The Living Dead
House By The Cemetary
Deep Red
Demons
Stendahl Syndrome
Baron Blood
New York Ripper.

KFS

[dragon herb]

I got 2 favs only : 1.House By The Cemetery 2.Beyond

[GwaiLoMoFo]

Ive seen all of Argento's, and some Fulci and Bava. And also a few others here and there. And although Id like to be 'different" and throw out some abstract title. Ill have to say "Suspiria" is head and shoulders above the rest. This one has both style and substance, and one of the best original horror films soundtracks ever laid.

[gravedigger666]

Impossible to pick one....

For best Argento I would maybe choose "Inferno",Deep Red is about equal or maybe even better.

Supreme Mario Bava I do not try to choose..he has not made giallo/horror NOT worth seeing

Fulcis movies Beyond,City Of The Living Dead and House By the cemetary would be worth seeing for Catrione McColl alone(I think she is drop dead gorgeous) but luckily those have great gory scenes,nice score and sets.

Amando De Ossorios Blind Dead movies are maybe best spanish horrors but worth mentioning is Jesus Francos Bloody Moon....hard not to appreciate movie with these scenes;

1) Female teen stabbed to death with scissors
2) Geriatric female burnt to death in her bed
3) Female teen stabbed through back- blade tip exits through nipple!
4) Female teen decapitated with circular saw
5) Pre-pubescent male run down by car
6) Female teen strangled
7) Male stabbed through neck
8) Male has chest gouged open with chainsaw
9) Female strangled
- a (real) snake decapitated.

[jiujitsu77]

i try to avoid jess franco. he has his moments......and gravedigger, have you ever seen his templar's rip off, mansion of the living dead? i have yet to. wanting to seek it out

now de ossario's blind dead films (and that sweet coffin box set) are awesome, however after the second, it gets a little hokey. for a spanish horror film, however, it really upped the bar in terms of spookiness compared to naschy's "universal monsters" type film (i like those too)

for italian horror? fulci of course, but its hard to pin the best

Lamberto Bava's Demons was a good'n. sequel wasnt so bad either

[Chinatown Kid]

I don't know about the best because I haven't seen that many but about the grossest I ever remember seeing was Fuchi's Zombie. The part where the eyeball goes through the splinter and when the zombies are eating the woman's guts, YUCKKKK! Also remember seeing The New York Ripper and thought it was pretty cheap, sleazy and disgusting.

[iron flag]

Black Sunday is imo a masterpiece and one of my all time favorite movies. City of the Living dead is a good one and so is Suspiria

[Stuntman Jules]

My faves:
Bay of Blood
Suspiria
Phenomena
Cannibal Holocaust
The Whip and the Body
Tenebre
Lisa and the Devil
Deep Red
The Beyond
Black Sabbath

[GwaiLoMoFo]

Cannibal Holocaust
No offence my friend, but this is one of the most disgusting films ever made (imo). Pure garbage! It tries hard to SHOCK you, but fails miserably. Not really any shock, just disgusting people commiting disgusting acts. It reminded me of how sick I felt after watching "Faces Of Death" when I was young. I watched the collectors editon with all the commentary and interviews with the cast. And honestly, it seemed like everybody involved with the film (including the director) was embarassed or ashamed of it. Especially evident while listening to the audio commentary track. I would seriously be concerned for and disturbed by anybody who liked this "film". Though I agree with the rest of the films you listed.

[Stuntman Jules]

No offence my friend, but this is one of the most disgusting films ever made (imo). Pure garbage! It tries hard to SHOCK you, but fails miserably. Not really any shock, just disgusting people commiting disgusting acts. It reminded me of how sick I felt after watching "Faces Of Death" when I was young. I watched the collectors editon with all the commentary and interviews with the cast. And honestly, it seemed like everybody involved with the film (including the director) was embarassed or ashamed of it. Especially evident while listening to the audio commentary track. I would seriously be concerned for and disturbed by anybody who liked this "film". Though I agree with the rest of the films you listed.

Cannibal Holocaust is a masterpiece, IMO.

It's not meant to be a pleasant experience to watch and never was. It's meant to shock, offend and make you think about mankind's cruelty and succeeds highly in that respect.

Just because a film has unlikeable characters, real animal killings and lots of a rape, gore, etc, doesn't automatically make it a "bad film". I never judge a film by its content. I judge it by how good a piece of filmmaking it is. And Holocaust is a good piece of filmmaking!

[kowloon]

phenomena

[GwaiLoMoFo]

Just because a film has unlikeable characters, real animal killings and lots of a rape, gore, etc, doesn't automatically make it a "bad film". I never judge a film by its content. I judge it by how good a piece of filmmaking it is.
How can you not judge a film by its content? With that logic you could probably find some pretty well made snuff or child pornography films.

I wont argue that the way the film was shot wasnt influential, or even groundbreaking. The whole lost & found film footage idea was GREAT. Films like "Blair Witch", "Cloverfield" & "Diary Of The Dead" prove it fairly obviously. But everything else about the film is pure garbage imo. To each is own, one mans trash is anothers treasure.

[venoms5]

I can understand why people feel the way they do about the film. You either like the movie or you don't. Deodato made the film as an indictment against the media and it resonates as much today as it did then. Here's a portion of an article below I wrote discussing CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST and my thoughts on the movie. The post in full is located here...

http://www.kungfucinema.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5409

Then the big one hit, Deodato nearly committed career suicide with his 1979 movie CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST. A movie that is just as relevant now (maybe even more so) than it was nearly 30 years ago. A film that was almost as harrowing behind the scenes as what was presented on screen.....

....Deodato's friend Sergio Leone pre-screened the movie and told Deodato that he thought it was a brilliant movie but that it would bring his career much trouble. Deodato almost did prison time as the visceral tone of the film, especially in the scenes involving the documentary footage, looks very real and is among some of the most brutal movie sequences you will ever see. Patrons believed that Deodato had actually murdered people on-screen not even counting the numerous real animal deaths throughout the film. Deodato was arrested and was later released when it was proven that the actors were indeed alive. The film was banned, confiscated and was one of the many pre-cert tapes literally burned in the streets that was part of the Video Nasties witch hunting 'trial' that occurred in Great Britain where even video store owners who stocked the film (along with numerous others) were arrested.

Deodato was blacklisted for several years and the controversy that began in Italy spread to America where MGM of all studios was set to release the film in America. After all the continued negative publicity, MGM bailed fearing it would harm their reputation. The film did come out in one theater in New York and was a big hit. Today the film is available in Great Britain but in a cut form only. It has since been released uncut in its native Italy from Alan Young Pictures although I have heard that the "Road To Hell" sequence is still not complete. But then this may have been done during the actual editing of the movie itself.

Deodato made this ground-breaking and career killing movie as an outcry against the media and the horrific situations, lies and fabrications they create to get their story...by any means necessary. His child was seeing so much real death and horror on the news and Deodato decided to make a film that resonated this "reality" of real life at its most primal and primitive core. Although it will never be formally acknowledged, CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST is the progenitor of the mass produced "reality TV" that hogs television airtime across America these days. Also, the American hit horror film THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT(1999) owes an enormous debt to Deodato's film with its similar storyline and its documentary approach to the material.

In the film, we see the footage of the film crew as they purposely create imaginary scenes of carnage to make their story more lurid and dramatic. One such bit concerns a fake attack by two warring tribes of savages. The "civilized" Americans herd numerous women and children into a hut and thereby set fire to it. When the terrified natives try to escape the blaze, the "civilized" filmmakers shove them back in. Not only is this sequence shocking as all hell, but they even become sexually aroused by the act!

Modern day reporters have gone to near such lengths as this to obtain a story that pays the big bucks. Many of the so-called "reality" shows are "enhanced" for ratings with many of their scenes set up ahead of time to feature scandalous bits of decadence, profane and sometimes violent outbursts against the co-stars to get people to tune in. Take Princess Diana's fatal car accident for example. Her vehicle was surrounded by "savage" and "cannibalistic" paparazzi who were "hungry" for some pictures or a story to "feed" their pockets. The many, many tabloids that litter grocery outlets and convenience stores feature a myriad of fabricated or exaggerated truths about the stars inside. If the story doesn't have enough juicy details, then who will buy it?

Not only was Deodato under fire for the films incendiary violence, but also for its cruelty to animals scenes which would also be adopted by other directors in these Italian jungle adventures. In numerous interviews not only Deodato, but also others like Lenzi and Sergio Martino would lay claim that they did not shoot these scenes that they were either shot by "the producer" or were procured by said "producer" from an unnamed source to be included in the film. Since endless scenes of animals being butchered or scenes set up to appear that animals were fighting the elements to stay alive in mondo movies were quite shocking and dramatically shot in films like AFRICA, ADDIO (1966) and MONDO CANE (1962), then why not include them in cannibal films? Both genres shared much in common and later mondo movies such as the nauseatingly sickening ADDIO ULTIMO UOMO (FAREWELL THE LAST MAN 1978) featured supposed live murder and cannibalism among other things and Climati's SAVAGE MAN, SAVAGE BEAST (1975) would feature animals consuming humans among its highlights.

During one scene in CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST (1979), Gabriel Yorke was told by Deodato quite calmly to shoot a small pig for a particular scene. He declined and Deodato casually got someone else who then summarily killed the poor piglet. Monkey's are butchered as well as other animals. But the scene of brazen animal mutilation that garners the most attention is the scene involving the slow and agonizing destruction of a large river turtle. Even though it has been said many times that the animals were then cooked and eaten, they essentially died for the camera...for the "enjoyment of the audience". It's a hot topic yes, considering the mass consumption of beef by humans around the world. Essentially, these animals, cows, chickens, deer, lamb and such are chosen and executed in similarly brutal fashion for the satisfaction of meat-lovers palettes.

The fact that these animals were used in an abusive way to illicit a visceral response in the viewer is disturbing but really not much different than the average hunter who paints himself up and dresses in an elusive fashion to go out and kill an innocent creature of the forest. Although this could be viewed as a private act between one or a group of people, it's still a form of "entertainment". The filmed deaths of animals, even though they may have been consumed later, was done for sensationalist entertainment that is projected for MANY PEOPLE to see. But then also, even today, on cable there are outdoor channels that specialize in hunters who film themselves as they go out and systematically hunt down and kill animals and not so much to eat them because they are starving, but because said animal will look great on their wall.

Deodato's film has much to atone for but I find the attacks against him as well as his colleagues a bit senseless in regards to such scenes. also today animals are used in horrifying experiments for various everyday products and medical cures. I have a relative who is a research scientist and he has detailed to me some of the ways in which the animals are (ab)used in such experiments for the "good" of mankind. It's a touchy subject that seems to have no absolute answer of right or wrong.

CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST (1979), regardless of whether or not it is a violent message against the media and the violence they create, or an exploitative exercise in sadism that mocks what it preaches, it is a classic horror film and should be seen by any serious film fan. You may not like what you see, but it will stay with you long after you have switched off the DVD player.

[GwaiLoMoFo]

CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST (1979), regardless of whether or not it is a violent message against the media and the violence they create, or an exploitative exercise in sadism that mocks what it preaches, it is a classic horror film and should be seen by any serious film fan. You may not like what you see, but it will stay with you long after you have switched off the DVD player.
Very well said, and great article. I think one of the biggest impressions made on me while watching the film was with the audio commentary tack and cast interviews. NONE of them seemed to be proud that they were part of the film. I just got the impression they were more embarrassed of it. I dont remember any of them defending it as "a violent message against the media and the violence they create".
In numerous interviews not only Deodato, but also others like Lenzi and Sergio Martino would lay claim that they did not shoot these scenes that they were either shot by "the producer" or were procured by said "producer" from an unnamed source to be included in the film.
Thats what I woulda said too. Funny they didnt mention that during the audio commentary during those scenes.

[venoms5]

Deodato has always said that in interviews about his film. I didn't watch the commentary track yet. I can't watch the film by myself. I will, however, watch it with somebody else to see the reaction from them. the film depresses me to see it alone. In any case deodato is currently working on a sequel. The poster artwork is already out. It's called CANNIBAL METROPOLITANA or something like that. I'll have to find the link.

I think they all are embarrassed as you said, mostly due to the violence committed towards animals but again, I think it's a double standard as people do the same things today for sport which, as I pointed out in the article, is really not that much apart from the cruelty seen on screen. Truly CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST is one film I can fully understand people either liking it, or hating it.

The cast interviews were excellent. You did see the grindhouse release GwaiLoMoFo?

[venoms5]

One of many interviews I have with the man he says his film was an outcry against the violence the media and reporters can create which is true and still resonates strongly today what with the paparazzi, nagging reporters and the frenzy of "reality" shows that permeate television like the plague these days.

[venoms5]

Thats what I woulda said too. Funny they didnt mention that during the audio commentary during those scenes.

On Media Blasters JUNGLE HOLOCAUST dvd Deodato opens the film stating a "producer" shot the animal scenes and even during actor Massimo Foschi's interview he says that a "producer" did it. Although it comes off like Deodato had told him to say this.

On the interview on the MOUNTAIN OF THE CANNIBAL GOD dvd (starring Ursula Andress and Stacy Keach!) Martino says the exact same thing, that a "producer" shot the animal violence.

If times weren't as PC as they are, I'm sure they wouldn't feel so ashamed about these things as they seemingly do now.

[GwaiLoMoFo]

One of many interviews I have with the man he says his film was an outcry against the violence the media and reporters can create which is true and still resonates strongly today what with the paparazzi, nagging reporters and the frenzy of "reality" shows that permeate television like the plague these days.
It would be easier for me to accept that reasoning if the film was made more recently. Especially with the media, reality TV and paparazzi today. I think you can paint that picture after the fact, especially today.
Deodato, however, has stated that he had no intentions for Cannibal Holocaust other than making a cannibal movie. Star Luca Barbareschi supports this view.
Then there's this quote from the faq section on imdb. I agree, I think it is what it is. No deep underlined meaning behind the carnage.

[gravedigger666]

I like cannibal holocaust but do not count is as horror film.Not one bit scary.

[venoms5]

News programs and reporters have always displayed violence in society and much of that violence has been twisted and in some cases made more violent by their intervention whether it be today or 30 years ago. And Deodato has been saying this for years, long before there were any reality shows. However, I did hear one remark from a convention from a few years back where he made the above comment about only wanting to make a cannibal movie but I think that was just to get a lot of haters off his back with the controversy surrounding the film being an indictment against the media yet at the same time the film glorifies the violence it supposedly is an outcry against. This film has caused him more grief than any other movie in his entire career. I'm surprised he's doing a sequel to it and equally surprised he would get financing for it.

Here's a bit about Deodato's new movie CANNIBALS aka CANNIBAL METROPOLITAN taken from Fangoria's website...

June 27: Ruggero Deodato talks his new CANNIBALS

At our recent Weekend of Horrors convention in New Jersey, Italian director Ruggero Deodato (pictured) took a few moments to give Fango a quick update on CANNIBALS (a.k.a. CANNIBAL METROPOLITAN), his upcoming follow-up to his notorious 1980 gorefest CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST. Scripted by Christine Conradt, with Imagination Worldwide backing it and veteran Canadian genremeister Pierre David on board as executive producer, the movie should be going before the cameras this fall. “I believe it will be in October, shooting in the Philippines and Ottawa in Canada,” Deodato tells Fango, adding that the film is not a direct sequel to HOLOCAUST: “It’s another story with new cannibals.”

Suggesting that CANNIBALS may wind up even more brutal and shocking than its predecessor, Deodato notes that this project largely won’t emulate its vérité found-footage style. “There will be some parts of it” done this way, he says, “but the story will be more fiction-oriented; it’s not connected as much with the original’s documentary style. Most of all, I will follow the changes that have happened in the world in the last 30 years. The world has become more violent, more cruel, and that’s what I will present.”

Casting has yet to be finalized for CANNIBALS—“But one thing’s for sure, it will have unknown actors”—and as for the makeup FX creator, “Maybe it will be Sergio Stivaletti, maybe someone else.” No doubt the result will be pounced on by HOLOCAUST fans, and Deodato enjoys the fact that his taboo-breaking shocker continues to attract attention today. “I’m very, very happy about that, about all the success the movie has had, the influence it had at the time,” he says. “The one thing I regret is that we earned less money than we could have earned today with that movie!” He also speculates on why the jungle flesheater genre seemed to be a unique one to filmmakers from his home country: “It’s probably because the Italian people are very curious and they were looking for something exotic, something strange, and directors wanted to create films for the audience to satisfy that curiosity.” (Thanks to Paolo Zelati) —Michael Gingold

[Drunken Monk]

I waded through Italian horror at one point in my life and enjoyed every minute of it. While I enjoyed "The Beyond," "Cannibal Holocaust," and even "Cat in the Brain," my two favourites are "Anthropophagous," the atmospheric yet sleazy classic and the genius "Demons." I think "Demons" is one of the funnest horrors ever made.

[venoms5]

Apparently Lamberto Bava wants to do a remake of DEMONS. Not sure if it's going anywhere yet or not.

[inframan]

I think I read somewhere that CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST was the highest grossing movie in Japan when it came out. Don't know if its true, but I'd believe it. I've never seen and probably won't but I always read reviews and comments on the film. I guess I'm morbidly facinated by it but not enough to watch it.

As far as Italian horror, it always puts me to sleep. I thought Zombi was ok, all I remember after repeated viewings is the zombie vs shark scene and the eye gouging scene.

The only one I count as a favorite is Zombie Holocaust, aka Dr Butcher MD, pure cheesey fun.

I want to see some Argento flicks.

[ministry88]

What about some of the rarities or the more forgotten ones? Here's some of my faves:

1)ABSURD (AKA ANTHROPOPHAGUS 2) - A better film all-around than the first, IMO. Some juicy gore in this one (drills through the head, skulls split open with bandsaws, etc)
2)ALIEN 2-ON EARTH - Total cheez. Some fun throw-away gore sequences and a brief role by none other than future Italian horror superstar director Michele Soavi! Plus any Italian horror flick that has scenes in a bowling alley is sure to pleaseXD
3) BLADE IN THE DARK - Speaking of Soavi, this above-average giallo (Lamberto Bava's second best, after DEMONS, IMO) cheekily pays homage to his dad but is still Lamberto's film, and it's a success!
4) THE DARK IS DEATH'S FRIEND - Hands down, Luigi Cozzi's best film. A superlative giallo.
5) GIALLO A VENEZIA - A super-sick giallo from Mario Landi. Some jaw-dropping scenes of sadism and hardcore gore. File this one along with PATRICK VIVE ANCORA (same director/cast) as Italian sleaze at its finest (or lowest?)!
6) THE KILLER IS STILL AMONG US - Obscure latter-day giallo that, frankly, has little to recommend it except the final scene of horror which is VERY brutal and shocking in its sexual violence. A whammer of an ending for sure
7) ORGASMO NERO - A not-bad entry in Joe D'Amato's "Caribbean" series, although not as good as "EROTIC NIGHTS OF THE LIVING DEAD" or "PAPAYA OF THE CARIBBEAN"
8) MALABIMBA - Jaw-dropping Italian sleaze. A sort-of EXORCIST rip-off, but with hardcore footage that definitely crosses some boundaries of good taste!
9) OSCENITA - The sickest, sleaziest Italian cult/horror I've ever seen (and I've seen my share)! Leave it to Renato Polselli to cook this sicko up. Wall-to-wall sleaze including masturbation with tree twigs and authentic bestiality -- no kidding :( Obviously nothing to recommend on an aesthetic or traditional level, but it must be seen to be believed.