Review: Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom

Dear Reader,

I have viewed the critically feared 1975 film entitled: Salo: 120 Days of Sodom. And I say to you that I am a very strong fan of the works of one Marquis de Sade. However, much like the late poet of violence and sex himself, the story was a bit hard to get into. I found it somewhat monotonous and dull. For something so "shocking" as it was made out to, be, I must say that I found it lacking in shock value. If I am not mistaken, the Marquis never completed this piece and perhaps that is why the end just ends. There is no epilogue, just the assumption that no one made it out alive. I have read the story in it's English context and find that lacking a few differences, it is very close to its original form.

That being said, I see it nothing more than a sick wank fest. I am a fan of gore and violence and get my jollies from them , like most people (though they prefer not to admit.) However, I do like violence with my sex. In watching this film, and reading the original story, however, I can look at the creator in a psychological way. Perhaps our dear narrator suffered from acute Fecalphelia? (In Laymen's terms, they like Poo. A LOT). I did not find it nearly as disturbing as people suggested. In fact, I think that I find more gold in A Clockwork Orange (One of my favorites) than I do in this film. I do, however, suggest other partake in this cinematic classic merely to say "yes, I have seen it". If for no other reason. I, myself, was informed of this film while in high school and assumed even then, it was something to be seen.

It is in Italian with English subtitles, but I must say, the acting was very realistic and the whores were almost alluring in their own way. Somewhat forgivable. The costuming was period of the forties and the cars were wondrous. The places were elegant and I think the cinematography was very appropriate with it's cut always and what not. However, I was still left guessing what happened to those who were not forced to wear a blue ribbon. Did they survive to go to Salo?

It will leave you wondering, but not in the good sense. In the "okay? What now?" sense. You will left somewhat unfulfilled and with a zombie like stare as the credits role unexpectedly while the two young men are dancing.

As a whole, I give this film a two out of five stars. Perhaps had I been around in 1975 to see it, I may have offered more. But, perhaps I am just desensitized?

Gravely yours,

Pandora Graves