“Deep River Savages,” also known as “Il paese del sesso selvaggio” and “The Man from Deep River,” is a 1972 Italian exploitation film directed by Umberto Lenzi. This film is notable for being one of the early examples of the cannibal subgenre that became popular in Italian exploitation cinema during the 1970s and 1980s.
Overview
- Title: Deep River Savages (Original Italian title: “Il paese del sesso selvaggio”; also known as “The Man from Deep River”)
- Director: Umberto Lenzi
- Producer: Ovidio G. Assonitis
- Writers: Francesco Barilli, Massimo D’Avak, based on a story by Umberto Lenzi
- Release Year: 1972
- Genre: Exploitation, Adventure, Cannibal
- Runtime: Approximately 93 minutes
- Language: Italian (dubbed in various languages for international release)
Plot Summary
The film follows John Bradley, a British photographer who travels to the Thai-Burmese border to document the region. While on his journey, he is captured by a native tribe and taken deep into the jungle. Initially treated as a prisoner, Bradley eventually assimilates into the tribe’s culture. He falls in love with Maraya, a beautiful native woman, and becomes a full-fledged member of the tribe. The film depicts his transformation from an outsider to someone who fully embraces the tribal lifestyle, all while showcasing various cultural practices and rituals, including graphic depictions of violence and cannibalism.
Production
- Filming Locations: The movie was filmed on location in Thailand, which provided an authentic and lush backdrop for the jungle setting.
- Cinematography: Riccardo Pallottini handled the cinematography, capturing the exotic and sometimes brutal environment of the jungle.
Notable Elements
- Cannibal Subgenre: “Deep River Savages” is considered a precursor to the more extreme Italian cannibal films that followed, such as Ruggero Deodato’s “Cannibal Holocaust” (1980) and Lenzi’s own “Cannibal Ferox” (1981).
- Cultural Depictions: The film attempts to depict the cultural practices of the tribe, though it has been criticized for sensationalizing and exploiting these elements for shock value.
- Graphic Content: Known for its explicit violence, nudity, and scenes of animal cruelty, the film was part of the exploitation trend that pushed the boundaries of on-screen depictions of taboo subjects.
Reception
- Critical Reception: Upon its release, the film received mixed reviews. Critics often panned it for its exploitative nature and graphic content, while some acknowledged its role in pioneering the cannibal subgenre.
- Controversy: The film was controversial for its graphic violence and portrayal of indigenous people, leading to censorship issues in various countries.
Legacy
- Influence: “Deep River Savages” set the stage for the cannibal genre in Italian cinema, influencing many films that came after it. It introduced themes and tropes that would become staples of the genre.
- Cult Following: Despite (or perhaps because of) its controversial content, the film has gained a cult following among fans of exploitation and horror cinema.
Additional Information
- Home Video Releases: The film has been released on various home video formats, including DVD and Blu-ray, often uncut to appeal to collectors and fans of the genre. These releases sometimes include special features such as interviews and commentary tracks.
- Notable Cast: Ivan Rassimov stars as John Bradley, with Me Me Lai playing the role of Maraya. Both actors became familiar faces in the Italian exploitation genre.
Overall, “Deep River Savages” is an important film in the context of Italian exploitation cinema, known for its pioneering role in the cannibal subgenre and its provocative content. It remains a notable example of Umberto Lenzi’s work and a significant entry in the history of exploitation films.
