“Eaten Alive!” is a 1980 Italian horror film directed by Umberto Lenzi. It’s a part of the cannibal film genre, which was particularly popular in Italy during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The film is known for its graphic content, which includes scenes of violence and gore, characteristic of the genre.
Here are some key points about “Eaten Alive!”:
Plot
The film follows a young woman named Sheila (played by Janet Agren) who travels to the jungles of New Guinea to find her missing sister, Diana (played by Paola Senatore). Diana has joined a religious cult led by the charismatic and deranged leader Jonas (played by Ivan Rassimov). As Sheila delves deeper into the jungle, she encounters various dangers, including hostile natives, wild animals, and the cannibalistic practices of the cult.
Cast
- Janet Agren as Sheila Morris
- Robert Kerman as Mark Butler
- Ivan Rassimov as Jonas Melvin
- Paola Senatore as Diana Morris
Production and Style
- Director: Umberto Lenzi
- Screenplay: Umberto Lenzi, based on a story by the same name
- Music: Roberto Donati
- Cinematography: Giovanni Bergamini
Themes and Characteristics
- Cannibalism: True to the cannibal film genre, the movie includes graphic depictions of cannibalism, which were meant to shock and provoke the audience.
- Exploitation: The film is considered an exploitation film due to its sensational content and low-budget production.
- Violence and Gore: “Eaten Alive!” features intense scenes of violence and gore, including dismemberment and animal cruelty, which have been points of controversy and censorship.
- Setting: The jungle setting is integral to the film, providing an exotic and dangerous backdrop that heightens the sense of fear and adventure.
Reception and Legacy
“Eaten Alive!” received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics often panned it for its exploitative nature and graphic content, but it has since gained a cult following among fans of the genre. The film is also noted for its influence on the cannibal sub-genre of horror films.
Controversy
The film, like many in the cannibal genre, faced censorship issues and was banned in several countries due to its explicit content. The depictions of violence and real animal killings were particularly contentious and contributed to its notoriety.
Impact on the Genre
“Eaten Alive!” is considered an essential part of the cannibal film cycle, which includes other notable films such as “Cannibal Holocaust” and “Cannibal Ferox.” It is often discussed in the context of the Italian horror and exploitation film movements of the time.
In summary, “Eaten Alive!” is a significant film in the cannibal horror genre, known for its extreme content and exploitative style, which continue to elicit strong reactions from audiences and critics alike.
Incorporated Scenes
“Eaten Alive!” (1980) was made using footage from other movies. Director Umberto Lenzi incorporated scenes from his earlier films into “Eaten Alive!” to save on production costs. Notably, he reused footage from his previous cannibal-themed movies such as “The Man from Deep River” (1972) and “Deep River Savages” (1972). This practice of recycling scenes is common in exploitation cinema to maximize budget efficiency.
Alternate titles
“Eaten Alive!” is known by several other names in different markets:
- “Mangiati Vivi!” – The original Italian title.
- “Eaten Alive! – Mangiati vivi!” – A combination of the English and Italian titles.
- “Eaten Alive by the Cannibals” – Another English variant.
- “Emerald Jungle” – Sometimes used in English-speaking markets.
- “Eaten Alive: The Emerald Jungle” – Combining elements of other titles.
These alternate titles reflect the film’s international distribution and marketing strategies, catering to various audiences and emphasizing different aspects of the film’s content.
