Tattoo
Karl Kinsky, an unbalanced tattoo artist, becomes obsessed with Maddy, a model he meets when he is hired to body-paint several women for a photo shoot, making the women look like they have large tattoos. As Kinsky grows more obsessed with Maddy, he becomes increasingly determined that Maddy should bear his "mark" -- forever.
Insights
Plot Summary
A Vietnam War veteran, haunted by his past, becomes obsessed with a young woman he encounters. He kidnaps her and takes her to his remote cabin, intending to make her his lover and tattoo his name onto her body. As their confinement continues, a complex and disturbing dynamic develops between them.
Critical Reception
Tattoo received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, who widely panned its exploitative themes, gratuitous violence, and disturbing subject matter. Audiences also largely rejected the film, contributing to its commercial failure and poor reception.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised by a very small minority for its bold, albeit disturbing, artistic choices.
- Widely criticized for its graphic violence and controversial depiction of Stockholm Syndrome.
- Considered a gratuitous and sleazy exploitation film by the majority of critics.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for 'Tattoo (1981)' is not readily available, but general critical and audience reception indicates it was poorly received.
Fun Fact
Director John Derek's daughter, Shauna Derek, also had a small role in the film as one of the nurses.
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