At the end of the 70s, Ruggero Deodato was rapidly becoming one of the most dynamic and controversial horror directors in Italy. However, with two of his most spectacular efforts (CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST and HOUSE BY THE EDGE OF THE PARK) widely criticised and persecuted for their violent content, he found himself in a limbo where producers were simply not prepared to tarnish the reputation of their films by hiring him. Sadly, this reduced the majority of his subsequent work to a level of utter pap, ranging from a "kid dying of cancer" tear-jerker to a ridiculous CONAN THE BARBARIAN rip-off starring a pair of identical twin body-builders.
Saying this, it's strange to find CUT AND RUN amongst these films. This little seen (at least in its uncut form) violent adventure can be viewed as Deodato's final trip to the jungle, completing the "trilogy" began by ULTIMO MONDO CANNIBALE and CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST. Originally slated to be directed by Wes Craven, Deodato was drafted in at the last moment, and managed to piece together a tight and exciting action movie containing plenty of stand-out scenes of carnage. Whilst the "cannibal" theme isn't really present here, there are numerous links to the genre, from the "Jim Jones" story-line a la Umberto Lenzi's infamous genre efforts, to Deodato's cinematography and handling of the travelogue aspect of the movie. There is also a (relatively) high-budget shine to the film, reflected by the semi-quality cast on display.
However, after his previous problems, Deodato wasn't to be stung again. He produced two different versions of the film, one far more graphic than the other. To my knowledge the unabridged "shock version" has only been officially released in Asia and Japan, but is definitely the one worth seeking out.
Despite the fact this is a fun and watchable film, it doesn't really have the fingerprints and style of Deodato's earlier work. It seems that the genuine creative spirit of this man was crushed by censorship and the widespread criticism he was, and still is, a victim to. Still worth a look though, just for those moments where the "real Deodato" grins through.
Saying this, it's strange to find CUT AND RUN amongst these films. This little seen (at least in its uncut form) violent adventure can be viewed as Deodato's final trip to the jungle, completing the "trilogy" began by ULTIMO MONDO CANNIBALE and CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST. Originally slated to be directed by Wes Craven, Deodato was drafted in at the last moment, and managed to piece together a tight and exciting action movie containing plenty of stand-out scenes of carnage. Whilst the "cannibal" theme isn't really present here, there are numerous links to the genre, from the "Jim Jones" story-line a la Umberto Lenzi's infamous genre efforts, to Deodato's cinematography and handling of the travelogue aspect of the movie. There is also a (relatively) high-budget shine to the film, reflected by the semi-quality cast on display.
However, after his previous problems, Deodato wasn't to be stung again. He produced two different versions of the film, one far more graphic than the other. To my knowledge the unabridged "shock version" has only been officially released in Asia and Japan, but is definitely the one worth seeking out.
Despite the fact this is a fun and watchable film, it doesn't really have the fingerprints and style of Deodato's earlier work. It seems that the genuine creative spirit of this man was crushed by censorship and the widespread criticism he was, and still is, a victim to. Still worth a look though, just for those moments where the "real Deodato" grins through.