Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom

iğrenç ötesi bir film 1/10

Saló was always over-rated because it was rarely shown. I saw it at the Scala cinema in London in about 1980 and thought it was over-rated then. Most of Pasolini's films are badly paced and interminable, but at least the others retain historical curiosity value added to what charm they have. Saló has historical curiosity value, I guess, but lacks anything else. I didn't read "120 Days" until 10 years later. De Sade's subversive point is that his perpetrators are the four pillars of society - an aristocrat, a judge, a priest and a doctor (Justine is a better book, btw). Pasolini's attempt to restate it in terms of fascism is pointless. The rest is voyeurism - it is an obviously fake stagey peepshow (not without camera-conscious corpsing) of pretty boys and girls, and we might ask if it's an insult to the Holocaust. There's also an obvious Inquisition reference, which the credit to Barthes' "Sade, Fourier, Loyola" makes explicit. But Pasolini had already dealt with that in The Decameron, so it's another pointless burden on De Sade.

Four wealthy fascist libertines kidnap 18 teenagers and subject them to mental and physcial trauma. It should be no surpise this is based on a novel by the Marquis de Sade. This is probably the most disturbing film I've ever seen. Even more disturbing than Cannibal Holocaust (1980). Because even though this is a work of fiction I wouldn't be surprised if it occured on some level. The despair the director felt before his death is reflected in his final work as there is no presence of hope within this film. Fascism, morality, capitalism and other issues are explored with no clear position on any of them. Aldo Valletti is perfectly cast as "The President," his crooked eyes naturally adding to the perversity of his character. Not for the squeamish, I respected the art of this film but will never view it again. Pasolini was murdered before the film was released.

Okropny, bez wartosci artystycznych. Pozbawiony etycznej granicy smaku. Odrażający obraz aktorów, którzy nie mają poszanowania do człowieczeństwa. Największy upadek reżyserski. Perwersyjny pastisz. Niebezpieczny. Szukając na siłę ukrytych alegorii ociera się o gloryfikacje sodomi. Fakt wykorzystania nieletnich aktorów jeszcze bardziej odraża od spojrzenia na dorobek Pasoliniego. Jedynie scena "psów" posiada, jakkolwiek to by nie brzmiało, faktyczny obraz faszyzmu, konsumpcjonizmu i ich pochodnych.

After watching just over 30 minutes of this film, the word that came to mind was "sick". The imagery made my stomach turn, but at the same time, I had a deep appreciation for the art of which I was witnessing. These scenes would be incredibly difficult to direct and especially to act out. What I like about this picture is the truth in it. These awful situations really take place in the world, but you never see them depicted in motion pictures. They are always watered down. This film depicts the true evil of such people and their violating actions. The President of this vile subculture of monsters with his cockeye and redhead is possibly the creepiest looking man I've ever seen. He played his role perfectly. The way those predators break the 4th wall makes it appear as though they are looking at you, and that you might be next to be abused. An intelligent choice by Mr. Pasolini. Also, the sound design is great, especially during tense scenes. That jet engine sound really helps to build the tension. At around 1:04, that guy is a true predator. A monster! His arousal and the girl's crying is so true-to-life for that type of personality. His blank stare is like that of a corpse. A gaze of a man who is dead inside. The camera work is great as they violently undress her. It gives a frantic kind of feel to the moment. I think the film is brilliant. I didn't find it to be too over-the-top considering its subject matter. Salò is certainly unlike any film I've ever seen. This is a rare, disturbing masterpiece by the great Pier Paolo Pasolini. 97/100

Disgusting. I am going to spend the rest of my life stealing copies of this film and ritualistically burn it.

Boring, boring and boring A truly boring film perhaps if easily amused you will be entertained for the first while however the novelty of the shock factor will wear away as you realise that this is all you will be seeing for the entire film. A poor storyline lacking proper depth and seemingly no deeper message. A perverts chef d’oeuvre which I refuse to recommend to anyone.

"Pasolini's 'Salo' presents a challenging exploration, delving into the disturbing realm of brutal, inhumane, and depraved fascist ideologies. It traverses intense territories that may be hard to witness, necessitating a selective approach to viewing. Despite this, the film's cinematography stands out for its striking beauty. The graphic elements, both physically and emotionally demanding, deliver a potent anti-fascist commentary. 'Salo' provides a thought-provoking cinematic experience, albeit one that pushes the boundaries of discomfort."

What a gem! absolutely brilliant

If you're faint of heart or have a weak stomach STAY AWAY FROM THIS MOVIE!!!