As a cinephile who grew up watching VHS tapes in the 80s and 90s, I remember the buzz surrounding “I Spit on Your Grave” like it was yesterday. Back then, it was more about the notoriety than the movie itself – the infamous title, the controversial content, and the scathing review by Roger Ebert.
Over time, the divide between people who enjoy horror movies and professional critics has significantly narrowed. This transformation is largely due to the rise of online discussions that empower fans to express their views and establish specialized platforms catering to their interests. However, it’s important to note that this shift didn’t happen overnight. Historically, horror was a genre frequently disregarded by critics, as evidenced by its persistent underrepresentation at award ceremonies like the Emmys and Oscars. In the past, when print media held the monopoly on film criticism, horror films often received unfavorable reviews, particularly if the content was deemed too shocking or lacking in artistic value.
Yet, in the words of gothabilly pioneer and exploitation/horror film fan Lux Interior from The Cramps, “I don’t know about art, but I know what I like.” Horror has always been a genre that excels despite critical reception because of the passion of the fans; critics be damned. If you want to look at the historical proof, there is one movie that exemplifies this relationship between fan and critic and how spite from the ‘experts’ launched a film into cult fandom: Meir Zarchi’s I Spit on Your Grave.
Critics Hated the Brutality of I Spit on Your Grave
In 1978, the film titled “I Spit on Your Grave” follows a common pattern within the rape-revenge subgenre of horror/exploitation. The narrative revolves around Jennifer Hills, a writer who retreats to a secluded cabin for writing her upcoming book. Upon arrival, she encounters four men who subject her to repeated sexual assaults and leave her for dead. Remarkably, Jennifer manages to live through the attacks and embarks on a path of vengeance. She systematically targets each assailant, exacting brutal retribution upon them individually and in gruesome fashion.
A woman has recently mutilated, disfigured, and incinerated four men completely… yet in any American court, she wouldn’t be found guilty!” (1983 film trailer)
To grasp why the movie was panned by critics, one needs to examine the elements that position it more as a shocking film than an artistic piece. The violence depicted, ranging from graphic sexual to brutal, is persistently prolonged and intense. The most notorious scene remains the one where a man has his private part amputated in a bathtub, portrayed painstakingly with great detail for maximum shock effect. Even today, this scene retains its power in shock value and its pursuit of realism.
The film primarily focuses on violence, with a rather simple storyline. While it’s not poorly made in terms of cinematography, its budget constraints are evident. What stands out most is the absence of any background music, making each violent scene even more unsettling as you only hear the cries and pleas of the victims.
In the context of the release of the movie “I Spit On Your Grave“, it’s not surprising that initial critics gave it a cold shoulder. However, Roger Ebert’s critique of the film and its supporters stirred up quite a storm, causing more ripples than any other back then. You can find his full review by clicking here. He started off by labeling it as a “vile piece of trash” and went on to describe it as one of the most disheartening experiences of his life. He was equally scathing towards the audience, stating that they were chattering throughout, and if they truly thought they were “surrogate sex offenders,” then they believed in something deeply disturbing.
This film represents the ugliest and twisted aspects of humanity, as it’s crudely made and openly displays its intentions. There’s no justification for watching it other than to enjoy the spectacle of cruelty and pain. As a critic, I usually don’t object to violence in films if I believe the filmmakers have a valid artistic purpose for including it. However, ‘I Spit on Your Grave’ lacks such a purpose. It’s more like a cheap display.” Roger Ebert (paraphrased)
Criticism Helped I Spit On Your Grave Find an Audience
As a movie enthusiast, I can tell you that the general public, who aren’t particularly fond of horror, probably viewed the critic’s warnings about “I Spit On Your Grave” as a clear sign to steer clear. However, die-hard horror fans, either intrigued or dismissive of critical opinions on horror films, flocked to the movie. Additionally, individuals with inquisitive minds or a fascination for counterculture or anything deemed valuable by authoritative voices found themselves drawn to “I Spit on Your Grave”. The film’s inclusion in Britain’s video nasty list and international controversy only served to amplify its infamous reputation.
Despite facing challenges in theater distribution due to its provocative content and receiving an X rating for scenes depicting rape, the movie “I Spit on Your Grave” found significant success in the home market during the early 1980s. In 1981, it climbed up to the 24th spot on Billboard’s chart of top-selling video titles and was even recognized as the best-selling video cassette, outperforming renowned films such as The Godfather Part II and Fiddler on the Roof. Such strong demand led to its re-release six times.
On Monday morning, the gathering wasn’t merely big; it was deeply unsettling. Usually, I refrain from assigning motives to spectators or attempting to decipher their thoughts. However, those seated near me on that day seemed to make it strikingly clear what they were thinking.
Roger Ebert’s reviews often sparked debate, as his comments on I Spit on Your Grave drew people in to watch the film and form their own opinions. This relatively unknown movie might have faded into obscurity, but thanks to Ebert’s critique, it became a hot topic in media and among horror enthusiasts – particularly discussions about the portrayal of violence against women in the genre. It is clear that without Ebert’s review and perceived censorship efforts, these conversations and renewed interest in the movie would not have transpired. To this day, both the film and Ebert’s critique are still widely remembered by horror fans.
Reevaluating I Spit on Your Grave and Its Legacy
Over time, perspectives on the film “I Spit on Your Grave” have shifted. While some criticisms remain, such as those expressed by Roger Ebert in 2010 during the release of the remake, his stance has not changed. However, a reevaluation of the film was made by feminist Julie Bindel, who initially disliked it. In a piece for The Guardian published in 2011, she admitted she was mistaken about the film and reinterpreted it as a form of feminist wish-fulfillment. Not everyone agrees with this view, and opinions often depend on one’s stance on the morality of revenge as a means of retribution.
It’s clear that the film had a significant impact on its genre and advertising methods; trailers and promotional materials for this type of controversial content didn’t shy away from expressing criticism or audience discomfort openly to attract viewers, particularly in the VHS market where “I Spit on Your Grave” found success. This strategy often transforms low-budget and subpar movies into hits or at least financial successes. However, it should be noted that “I Spit on Your Grave” is generally not considered a good movie by most standards. Yet, there’s an element of admiration for its boldness and determination to push boundaries and shock audiences.
The film “I Spit on Your Grave” has undeniably left a lasting impact, inspiring a multitude of low-budget imitations using its title, ranging from the offensive “I Pee on Your Corpse” to the comedic “I Chew and Spit on Your Grave“. Director Meir Zarchi made a comeback in 2010, serving as producer and writer for the remake of “I Spit On Your Grave”, as well as its two subsequent sequels. There is also a less popular sequel to the original, “I Spit on Your Grave: De Ja Vu“, which was released in 2019, prior to the more successful revival of the franchise.
So, you’re wondering if you should check out the 1978 film “I Spit on Your Grave”? It has generated interest due to its historical significance, minimalistic style that tests boundaries, and impact on both horror and exploitation genres. However, it should be noted that it is not considered a classic masterpiece; instead, it’s often referred to as seminal. You can stream the original “I Spit on Your Grave” on platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, or Plex. The 2010 remake is available for streaming on Starz. The choice is yours!
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2024-10-07 23:32