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Blood Sucking Freaks
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Wikipedia article
'Blood Sucking Freaks' is a 1976 exploitation-splatter film directed by Joel M. Reed and starring Seamus O'Brien, Luis De Jesus, Viju Krem, Niles McMaster, Dan Fauci, Alan Dellay, and Ernie Pysher. Shot under the title 'Sardu: Master of the Screaming Virgins', it was retitled 'The Incredible Torture Show' during its original theatrical run.
Film distributor Troma Entertainment retitled the film 'Blood Sucking Freaks' (sometimes spelled 'Bloodsucking Freaks') upon their acquisition of it in 1981. Troma initially made cuts in hopes of getting an R rating, but eventually released the version that had all of the most graphic scenes included and was labeled as an R-rated film despite having no such designation from the MPAA. The ratings group then sued Troma for copyright infringement in applying the R without permission; Troma then withdrew the R, and to date the MPAA has refused to give "Bloodsucking Freaks" a review at all, leaving it as one of the most controversial Unrated films of all time.
Plot
Master Sardu (Seamus O'Brien) runs a Grand Guignol-style theatre with his assistant, the little person Ralphus. They present grotesque sadomasochism shows depicting torture and murder. Unbeknownst to audiences and critics, the events depicted are real, not staged; the tortured participants are kidnapped victims forced into sexual slavery.
Theatre critic Creasy Silo incurs Sardu's wrath by mocking his pretensions of art. Sardu responds by kidnapping and torturing Silo, hoping he will give the show a positive review, and by kidnapping ballerina Natasha DeNatalie to force her to participate in shows and lend them some artistic legitimacy. Natasha's football-player boyfriend Tom Maverick and corrupt policeman Detective John Tucci try to find Natasha and unravel the mystery of Sardu's operation. Sardu ultimately gets his comeuppance at the hands of his former captives.
Cast
*Seamus O'Brien - Sardu
*Viju Krem - Natasha Di Natalie
*Niles McMaster - Tom Maverick
*Dan Fauci - Sergeant Tucci
*Alan Dellay - Creasy Silo
*Ernie Pysher - Doctor
*Luis De Jesus - Ralphus
*Alphonso DeNoble - White Slaver
*Illa Howe - Girl on Guillotine
Themes
'Blood Sucking Freaks' would go on to achieve minor cult-classic status due to its ability to slip between being a serious horror film with sexual overtones and a campy send-up of gore films. The violent deaths of lead actors Seamus O'Brien (stabbed to death in his apartment by a burglar) and Viju Krem (shot on a hunting trip) after the film's release also contributed to the film's notoriety.
Depictions of violence
Some of the torture methods depicted fictionally in the film include the use of thumb screws, a skull crushed by a vise, amputation at the wrist by a bone saw, the amputation of fingers by a meat cleaver, electro-shock, suspension, the extraction of teeth, the portrayal of an electric drill through a skull with the brains sucked through a straw, the amputation of feet by a chainsaw, stretching on St. Andrew's Cross, caning and subsequent decapitation by guillotine, as well as brainwashing, whipping, darts, and quartering.
Reception
Critical reception for the film has been negative.
'TV Guide' panned the film, awarding it 0/4 stars calling the plot "flimsy" and "[an] exercise in total gross-out".
Rob Wrigley from 'Classic Horror.com' stated in his review on the film, "If anything makes it tolerable, it is that it is presented as comedy rather than tragedy. Unfortunately, it falls flat far more than it amuses. One could complain about the misogyny of it all. Or its willingness to offend everyone possible. Or even the vibrant, sardonic performances of the principals. But that is giving the film more credit than it deserves". Wrigley also criticized the film's acting.
Scott Weinberg from 'eFilmCritic.com' panned the film stating in his review, "When people use the term 'bottom of the barrel', they often forget about the UNDERSIDE of the barrel, which is where poorly-made dreck like this belongs. It offers absolutely NOTHING in the way of entertainment, and I think you're a cruel little nutcase if you talk someone else into seeing it," also calling it "The nastiest, filthiest and just about WORST thing you will EVER SEE".
The 'Encyclopedia of Horror' says "the film is deliberately tacky and tongue-in-cheek (but distasteful enough nonetheless), in the spirit of Herschell Gordon Lewis." The book reports the film was the subject of a campaign by Women Against Pornography.Milne, Tom. Willemin, Paul. Hardy, Phil. (Ed.) 'Encyclopedia of Horror', Octopus Books, 1986. p 313
It is considered to be one of the most controversial films of all time by Filmsite.org.[http://www.filmsite.org/controversialfilms10.html Filmsite.org- "Most Controversial Films of All Time"]
It currently has a 29% "Rotten" rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 7 reviews, with an average score of 3.88/10.
In popular culture
In the intro to De La Soul's debut album, '3 Feet High and Rising', Plug One cites 'Blood Sucking Freaks' as his "favorite drama movie". Pro wrestler Chris Jericho borrowed the assistant's name for his own use, naming his bodyguard Ralphus in WCW.
Legacy
Joe Bob Briggs opened his second season of 'The Last Drive-In' on Shudder with 'Chopping Mall' and 'Blood Sucking Freaks'.
References
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