Eaten Alive! The Rise and Fall of the Italian Cannibal Film
Eaten Alive! The Rise and Fall of the Italian Cannibal Film

Movie spotlight

Eaten Alive! The Rise and Fall of the Italian Cannibal Film

2015
Movie
84 min
English

A High Rising Productions documentary on the short-lived craze of Italian cannibal films in the '70s and '80s, featuring interviews with Umberto Lenzi, Ruggero Deodato, Sergio Martino, Giovanni Lombardo Radice, and Robert Kerman. Featured on the Grindhouse Releasing Blu-ray for "Cannibal Ferox" in the US, and the upcoming UK Blu-ray for "Zombi Holocaust" by 88 Films.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Calum WaddellGenres: Documentary, Horror

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the controversial and often shocking history of the Italian cannibal film genre, exploring its origins, key directors, and notorious productions. It examines how these films, characterized by graphic violence and exploitative themes, gained a cult following while facing significant backlash and censorship. The film also touches upon the cultural and societal contexts that may have influenced their creation and reception.

Critical Reception

As a documentary focused on a niche and often reviled genre, 'Eaten Alive!' received positive reviews from genre enthusiasts and critics who appreciated its thorough research and engaging presentation. It was praised for shedding light on a misunderstood area of cinema, though some acknowledged the inherently disturbing subject matter. The film is considered a definitive look at the Italian cannibal film movement.

What Reviewers Say

  • An exhaustive and insightful exploration of a controversial subgenre.

  • Provides valuable context and interviews with key figures.

  • Fascinating for horror aficionados, but may be disturbing for general audiences.

Google audience: Information not readily available for Google user ratings.

Fun Fact

The documentary features extensive interviews with many of the directors and actors who were instrumental in creating the Italian cannibal film genre, offering firsthand accounts of their experiences and creative processes.

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