39 Facts About The Movie Cannibal Holocaust

The Controversial Nature of Cannibal Holocaust

Cannibal Holocaust, released in 1980, is known for its extreme violence and graphic scenes, which led to it being banned in several countries.

Directed by Ruggero Deodato

The film was directed by Italian filmmaker Ruggero Deodato, who is known for pushing the boundaries of horror cinema.

Influenced Found Footage Genre

Cannibal Holocaust is considered a pioneer of the found footage genre, as it tells the story through recovered footage found in the Amazon rainforest.

Real Animal Killings

One of the most controversial aspects of the film is the real animal killings that were included in some of the scenes.

The Authenticity of the Found Footage

The realistic nature of the found footage in the film led many viewers to believe that the events depicted were real, sparking widespread controversy and legal issues.

The Concept of “Mondo” Films

Cannibal Holocaust is often associated with “mondo” films, a subgenre of exploitation cinema that focuses on shocking and disturbing content.

The Influence on Contemporary Horror Films

The movie’s graphic violence and disturbing themes have influenced many contemporary horror films, including the popular “torture porn” subgenre.

Legal Troubles and Censorship

Cannibal Holocaust faced severe legal troubles due to its controversial content, resulting in numerous censorship attempts and bans in different countries.

Lost and Found Footage

There were rumors that the original footage of the film was confiscated by the authorities, but it was later found and released as an uncensored version.

Two Versions of the Film

There are two versions of Cannibal Holocaust: the original uncut version and an edited version that removes some of the most graphic scenes.

The Legacy of Cannibal Holocaust

Cannibal Holocaust remains a highly controversial and influential film that continues to spark debates about the limits of artistic freedom and the ethics of filmmaking.

Filming in the Amazon Rainforest

The movie was shot on location in the Amazon rainforest, giving it an authentic and immersive feel.

Incorporating Indigenous Tribes

The production team worked with indigenous tribes during the filming, adding to the realism of the movie.

The Marketing Stunt

To enhance the movie’s authenticity, the director staged a marketing stunt where the actors disappeared for several months after the film’s release, making it appear as if they were dead.

Impact on Italian Exploitation Cinema

Cannibal Holocaust is considered one of the most significant films in the Italian exploitation cinema movement of the 1970s and 1980s.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed reviews upon release, with critics both praising its technical aspects and condemning its graphic content.

Faked Cannibalism Scenes

While the film features scenes of apparent cannibalism, they were achieved through special effects and props, not actual human flesh.

The Impact on the Documentary Genre

Cannibal Holocaust blurred the line between fiction and documentary-style filmmaking, influencing subsequent documentaries that aimed for a sense of realism.

Post-Release Lawsuits

The film faced legal action after its release, with the director Ruggero Deodato being accused of making a snuff film due to the perceived authenticity of the violence.

The Movie’s Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Cannibal Holocaust, composed by Riz Ortolani, contrasts the haunting beauty of the rainforest with the brutality portrayed on screen.

Censored Versions

Due to its graphic nature, Cannibal Holocaust has been heavily censored in several countries, with many scenes either cut or altered.

Banned in Several Countries

The explicit violence and exploitation depicted in the film led to it being banned in several countries, including Italy, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

The Concept of “Found Footage”

Cannibal Holocaust popularized the use of found footage as a storytelling technique, which later became a staple in the horror genre.

The Impact on Animal Rights Activism

The controversy surrounding the real animal killings in the film led to increased awareness and activism for animal rights in the entertainment industry.

The Movie’s Graphic Violence

The film’s graphic violence, including scenes of rape and torture, caused outrage among viewers and led to widespread condemnation.

The Documentary-Like Approach

Cannibal Holocaust adopts a documentary-like approach, mimicking the style of anthropological films to create a sense of realism.

Alleged Snuff Film

Due to the realistic nature of the violence, Cannibal Holocaust was mistakenly believed to be a snuff film, adding to its notoriety.

Influenced by Italian Cannibal Films

Deodato drew inspiration from previous Italian cannibal films, such as “Jungle Holocaust” and “Eaten Alive!,” for the creation of Cannibal Holocaust.

The Cannibal Subgenre

Cannibal Holocaust is one of the defining films of the cannibal subgenre, characterized by its extreme violence and exploration of taboo themes.

The Film’s Social Commentary

Beyond its explicit violence, Cannibal Holocaust also presents a scathing critique of media sensationalism and the exploitation of indigenous cultures.

The Four Documentarians

The film follows the journey of four American documentarians who venture into the Amazon rainforest to make a documentary about indigenous cannibal tribes.

The Film’s Influence on Found Footage Horror

Cannibal Holocaust directly influenced the found footage horror genre, paving the way for iconic films such as “The Blair Witch Project” and “Paranormal Activity.

The Marketing Tagline

The film’s marketing tagline was: “The most controversial movie ever made, considered too disturbing and realistic by some, and a brilliant masterpiece by others.”

Trial for Murder

After the film’s release, Ruggero Deodato was put on trial for murder due to the realistic nature of the violence, forcing him to prove that the actors were alive.

Cultural Impact

Cannibal Holocaust has left a lasting impact on popular culture, with references and homages appearing in various forms of media, including music and other films.

The Performances

The film features intense and convincing performances from its cast, adding to the unsettling realism of the movie.

The Legacy of Banned Films

Cannibal Holocaust’s banning in several countries only fueled its notoriety, cementing its status as a cult classic.

The Film’s Documentary Crew

Unlike traditional horror films, Cannibal Holocaust focuses on the documentary crew as the main characters, adding layers of realism to the narrative.

Controversial Even Decades Later

Even decades after its release, Cannibal Holocaust continues to be a highly controversial film that pushes the limits of artistic expression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cannibal Holocaust is a controversial and influential film that has left a lasting impact on the horror genre. With its realistic and graphic portrayals, the movie pushed boundaries and challenged the notion of what is acceptable in cinema. Despite its controversial nature, it remains a cult classic and a notable entry in the cannibal sub-genre. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying the staying power and cultural significance of Cannibal Holocaust.

FAQs

1. Is Cannibal Holocaust based on a true story?Cannibal Holocaust is a work of fiction, although it was marketed as a documentary upon its release. The film does not depict actual events, but rather invents a story for dramatic impact.2. What is the controversy surrounding Cannibal Holocaust?Cannibal Holocaust sparked controversy due to its graphic violence and brutality. Many questioned the ethical implications of the film’s extreme depictions and whether it crossed the line of acceptability in portraying violence on screen.3. Was Cannibal Holocaust banned in any countries?Yes, Cannibal Holocaust was banned or heavily censored in several countries upon its release, including Italy, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It was deemed too extreme and offensive for public consumption.4. What is the significance of Cannibal Holocaust in the horror genre?Cannibal Holocaust is often cited as a milestone in the horror genre due to its unique and disturbing elements. It influenced subsequent found footage films and set a precedent for pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in horror cinema.5. Can you watch Cannibal Holocaust today?Yes, Cannibal Holocaust is available for viewing today, although it may not be easily accessible in all countries due to its controversial content. It has gained a cult following and is often discussed and studied in the context of horror cinema history.