The Prophet of Hunger
The Prophet of Hunger

The Prophet of Hunger

1970Movie93 minPortuguese

The story of a fakir who works in a decadent circus. He and his colleagues do weirder numbers each day to attract audience, and warrant their survival. The numbers resemble a horror-show and they get marginalized. Through fable and allegory, reality turns stronger and stronger, and more absurd.

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IMDb6.1/10
Director: Robert Van AllenGenres: Documentary, Crime

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the life and crimes of serial killer Donald Neil Smith, who confessed to multiple murders across the United States and Mexico. It delves into his motivations and the psychological factors that led to his violent spree. The film aims to understand the mind of a killer and the societal conditions that may contribute to such pathology.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its unflinching look at a disturbing subject matter and others finding it sensationalist. Its documentary style was noted, but the lack of extensive access to the killer or his victims' families limited its depth. Audience reactions varied, often reflecting the controversial nature of the topic itself.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its direct and unvarnished approach to a dark subject.
  • Criticized by some for potentially exploiting the crimes for sensationalism.
  • Recognized as an early exploration of serial killer psychology in documentary film.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the film's age and niche subject matter. Those available often reflect a disturbed fascination with the true crime aspect.

Fun Fact

The film gained notoriety for its graphic, albeit stylized, depictions of violence, which were unusual for documentaries of its time.

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