Salo 120 Days of Sodom, one of the most shocking films in the history of cinema, will be released in cinemas on June 1. If you have a strong heart, you should definitely see this masterpiece by Pier Paolo Pasolini.
Pier Paolo Pasolini is undoubtedly one of the most important Italian directors in the history of cinema. Died in controversial circumstances in 1975, he was unable to attend the release of his latest film, 120 Days of Salo or Sodom (in France, he was released in cinemas in May 1976).
This feature film, which hits theaters on June 1, is a free adaptation of the great work of the Marquis de Sade (1740-1814) into the 20th century. One hundred and twenty days of Sodom. The book takes place at the end of the reign of Louis XIV (died 1715).
Pasolini takes us back to the time of the Salo of the Fascist Republic. In a large Italian castle, those in power persecute a group of young people who are subjected to a series of growing humiliating insults.
Salo is a city that really exists, located in northern Italy. Mussolini’s fascist government declared it the capital in 1943, before the fall of their power in 1945. Sad anecdote: Pier Paolo Pasolini’s brother was killed in this city.
The most scandalous movie in history?
After coming out in the mid-1970s, Salome created a loud scandal over controversial scenes of humiliation, sexual assault, and scathology. A dark and pessimistic work, the feature film was banned and censored in many countries.
Before handing over the gun to the left, Pasolini delivered a real bomb, which undoubtedly created one of the most vivid cinematic controversies of the century. Working in Italy is prohibited for people under 18 years of age. With us the ban applies to persons under 16 years of age.
Referring to Dante in Hell, the filmmaker chooses to baptize each part of his film as follows: “Circle of Passions”, “Circle of Shame” and “Circle of Blood”. A radical pamphlet against fascism, Salo delves deeper and deeper into senseless horror, leaving the viewer in utter astonishment in his place.
For some critics of the time, this denunciation of fascism gave way “A humiliating, unbearable film on which every viewer feels insulted, despite the obvious talent of a filmmaker.”
It is true that Pasolini does not prevent us in this matter. He does not hesitate to film close-ups of sexual violence or young people being forced to eat excrement.
The director arranges a device that puts us in the place of the powerful people who enjoy this torture. Thus, in an unbearable sequence, the organizers of these demonic orgies observe horrible torture and murder with binoculars.
Torture and decadence
Pasolini makes us stay with them to think about this sick spectacle. He puts us in the place of this torture, which is extremely disturbing and disturbing, questioning our own humanity. He also questions power and its exercise when it becomes completely arbitrary.
You really need to have a strong heart and strong nerves before the end of this trial film. However, the atmosphere on the set was quite cheerful, as evidenced by actress Ellen Sergeer, who camped for Signora Vaccar.
“The filming was quite cheerful and benevolent, the main problem was to avoid the laughter of the young actors, especially during the hunger strike”– Said the actor.
Pasolini was threatened with death because of his political positions
However, the director is a controversial character, the threats are numerous and the filming should take place under police protection.
“Pasolini was very worried about the rise of new fascism. During the filming, we witnessed disturbing demonstrations.Continued Helen Sergeer.
After the release of the film, the actor wondered if the director had gone too far.
“I always agree with the project. Pasolini told me that I should use cinema as a political tool. I have seen Salo several times and my opinion has changed according to the era. Today I think it is more in our time. People understand better what he says about the consumer society.Concluded the artist, who sadly died in 2011.
“I think scandal is right. Scandal is a pleasure and refusing to scandal is a moral attitude”Pasolini was scandalized in the 1970s. In this troubled time, he would be happy if his feature film would be released in cinemas and seen and explored by the younger generations without any censorship.
A mixed reception of the film in France by journalist François Chalet in 1976
Source: allocine
Emily Jhon is a product and service reviewer at Gossipify, known for her honest evaluations and thorough analysis. With a background in marketing and consumer research, she offers valuable insights to readers. She has been writing for Gossipify for several years and has a degree in Marketing and Consumer Research from the University of Oxford.
