Cannibal Holocaust: Is it really That good?

 

This may be the Most Shocking statement coming from a Horror fan and a writer to say something like this. Here goes nothing...

Cannibal Holocaust is overrated, and it's not that good. 

          Yes, I know it's very shocking about that statement, But hear me out as to why I said it. It's overrated and is on every horror movie lover's list, and it's been used for every horror film countdown, Critic choice, and others. It's almost like a drinking game every time a fan mentions this film. It might cause the viewer's liver damage. 

        But there are so many other great Cannibal Films that are just as good as this film. However, it seems like it's being overshadowed by this film. The film was only famous because of several things that cemented its status in the horror movie base, even though it's been played to death. 

Ruggero Deodato working with the "Natives"

    It was on the infamous " Video Nasties" Back in the 80s, which was created by the British Board of Film Censors (BBFC) rating board. Creating the list as a way to protect the youth from corruption. For its time it was shocking and disgusting for the viewers. However, looking at it now, and for people who finally saw it after the ban on the movie was lifted in 1985, to the shock of the audience. This caused it to be classified as an X rating. 

    in 1985, the world was already moving on with the different types of horror films and the gimmick of the film. Another one is the use of Real animals that were harmed and killed on camera. Something that some horror movie fans cringe at the sight of innocent animals being killed. But after that, the type of action films will use fake animals for some scenes, so they couldn't pass nowadays. 

This Movie has been banned from every country in the world and edited down to oblivion. 

    Another famous mark in the history of this film was the director being arrested for filming a snuff film and murder since they thought that the actors really were killed on camera.  Director Ruggero Deodato told the cast, not to talk to the press and lay low, so it could give a genuine feeling that it was real. I found that to be great marketing for the film, even though In 1981 Italian courts did not buy that.

     He was arrested for the film, even though the actors had to take a stand in court to prove they were alive and well. I found that story to be hilarious and very hard to believe that people really thought it was real. Maybe for its time, people fell for this film and went into panic and fear. But even people who are horror movie fans know it's as fake as a 4 dollar bill. Sure the FX and makeup was okay for its time, but that's pretty much it. 

One of the Film Crew in the movie has met his bloody end at the hands of the natives. The Italian courts thought this was real! How Laughable. 

    But if horror movie fans keep telling someone about this movie and saying or disgusting or how scary it is, only for that person to see it and say it's not scary, it devalues the movie's legacy. The movie has its fair share of amazement and shock value, from some of the scenes. But the only reason why it's frightening is that it's not the death of humans, but it's the harm and death of the animals on camera, which were real. It's shocking to think that Mr. Deodato really thought he could get away with it. 

      But, who am I to judge when There are some fans of this film. I know there are other fans of this type of subgenre of film, who appreciate their legacy for other films to follow, but there are other films like, I Eat Your Flesh, Make Them Die Slowly, and other films. But something about this film is just too mainstream and "Vanilla" ( Tame by today's standards). To some people, have put the film in the same Group as gross films like The Slaughter Doll Series and Human Guinea Pig series. Which I find that much of a stretch. Because those two series are barely horror films. 

Sadly, Ruggero Deodato passed away at the age of 83 on December 29, 2022. His legacy will forever be linked to this groundbreaking film, which paved the way for other Cannibal films. 

       In closing, if you or someone you know liked this film, good for you and your friend. But I would suggest looking at other cannibal films that I mentioned. If you have someone who would like to watch other Films instead of Cannibal Holocaust, don't try to shame them into watching it; let them watch what they want, not because it is " Cool" to watch.  Let them go on their own, beating track, and off the grid.