Carnal Violence (1973)
Enter... if you dare the bizarre world of the psychosexual mind
Director - Sergio Martino
Writers - Lewis E Cianelli, Ernesto Gastaldi, Sergio Martino
Starring - Suzy Kendall, Tina Aumont, Luc Merenda, John Richardson, Roberto Bisacco, Ernesto Colli, Angelo Covello, Carla Brait, Conchita Airoldi, Luciano Bartoli
Review By The_Void
Not brilliant, but worthwhile textbook example of the Giallo, 17 March 2005
If you want to see an absolute prime example of the Italian thriller, known as Giallo, you really need to go for one of Argento's offerings, preferably Bird With the Crystal Plumage or Deep Red, or perhaps Fulci's Don't Torture a Duckling. Hell, there's even Mario Bava's Blood and Black Lace or the fabulous House With the Windows that Laugh or What Have They Done to Solange; TORSO, however, isn't an entry on the illustrious list of prime examples of the Giallo, but that doesn't mean it's a bad film. TORSO is a rather formulaic example of the style of film-making, and one that includes the majority of the staples that have gone on to epitomise the type of film. Things such as the black-gloved killer, brutal murders, lots of nudity and even bad dubbing all feature heavily. Like most Giallo's, this one features an insane killer and also sports the over the top plot that many have. It's rather textbook, actually, and aside from the killer we've got a dame in distress and an investigation going on. Oh, and there's a Victorian doll thrown in for good measure.
TORSO is a semi-well respected entry in the Giallo cycle, and it's easy to see why. As mentioned, it isn't one of the prime examples but the fact that it features many of the clichés is bound to go down well with Giallo fans, not to mention the fact that the movie features high amounts of tension and is constantly thrilling for that reason, which doesn't hinder it's high rating either. The film features several sequences that stick out, and the last fifteen minutes or so are very thrilling indeed. The ending is definitely over the top, and somewhat silly, but Giallo fans have come to expect that over the years and it gives the film a certain kitschy edge. The acting is hard to rate because of the terrible dubbing, but even without the dubbing it isn't anything to write home about. Suzy Kendall does well in leading the movie, and makes a nice damsel in distress; but the rest of the cast are largely unknown and forgettable. On the whole, I recommend this film to people that love Giallo, have seen most of the higher rated ones and need something else to watch.
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