Smashbomb

Search

Search results

All (2131)

Content

Darren Fisher (2465 KP) rated Island of Death (1976) in Movies

Jan 11, 2021 (Updated Jan 11, 2021)

Island of Death (1976)

1976 | Horror, Thriller

9.0

(1 Ratings)

Movie Rating

70's Exploitation At Its Best

Story has it that Greek director Nico Mastorakis saw the Texas Chainsaw Massacre at the cinema and was impressed that such a violent low budget horror film could make so much money. So with that in mind Nico decided to make an even more depraved feature than Tobe Hooper and therefore make even more money! He succeeded in the latter but as for make more money? Well, we can only guess not. I won't bother going into the plot as I assume most people already know about this depraved and sick little flick. All that I will say is that as far as 70's exploitation flicks go this is one of the best. Depravity has never been in so much abundance as is on show here. This will not be to many viewers taste (and a big "no, no" for the Snowflake Generation) as we are subjected to rape, gay rape, incest, drug abuse, beastiality, torture, urinating on pensioners and even a fart in the face as a downright insult. The list of depravity doesn't stop there but to list them all would take some time and spoil it for those that want to watch it for the first time...
The gore is kept to a mimimum and the acting is pretty bad, but as the film progresses this is not really an issue (there are some great bits of crazy dialogue throughout). The majority of death scenes are very imaginative, including deaths involving a plane flight, bulldozer and a pot of paint.
Also there is a cracking soundtrack provided by the legendery Nikos Lavranos (Destination Understanding being the obvious favourite of the 'cult elite').
I cannot recommend this film enough, it is superb, but if you are easily offended I would suggest giving this one a very wide berth. Maybe I need psychiatric help... A MUST SEE.

Kudos

LaBMaC (116 KP) rated Psychopath with Piers Morgan (Crime Documentary) in TV

Jul 10, 2019

Direct and in depth interview technique (3 more)

Able to see family interaction in video footage

Mothers point of view is shared

Expert point of view is shared

Over dramatisation (1 more)

Piers questions repeatedly ask Paris to describe feelings that he may not have.

Contains spoilers, click to show

Paris Bennett is a diagnosed psychopath incarcerated in the Ferguson Unit within Texas State prison for stabbing his 4 year old sister to death.

Piers, revealing that Paris has a 'genius' level intellect.. an IQ score of 141 'wants to find out how their (psychopaths) minds work'.
When Piers opens the interview, in which he is separated from Paris by 'toughened glass', Paris begins with 'Since this is going to be done for ITV would you like me to speak in Queens English'. The comment, clearly planned, is blurted out almost in excitement and followed with a self-satisfied smile. Immediately, arrogance comes accross reflecting his narcissism.

This interview is mesmerising in that, despite his attempts to control his responses, you see the presentation of psychopathy quite clearly in the detachment and monotone used by Paris in describing horrific acts.

The documentary provides context by showing videotaped interactions between Paris, his sister and his mother which while appearing normal and happy, contained the odd disturbing comment from Paris that may have revealed his mindset. For example, to his mother:' what is your favourite sentence?,' I don't know ',' kill Charity's children? '.

Piers carries it out in a professional manner, calmly yet assertively seeking information. However the focus of his questions, on asking Paris to describe emotions, while helping to reveal the nature of psychopathy, do seem unfair.

One of the most disturbing aspects of this documentary is the fact that Charity, who has another child, has not only remained in contact with Paris but that she encourages his contact with his sibling rather than putting as much distance between him and Paris as possible.

Because Paris was a juvenile when convicted he will be up for parole in a few years in spite of his diagnosis.