Bloodtype Online

      

    In the history of horror films there are ones out there that have a certain legend about them.  Either people have always talked about the films they like, as if they were some sort of magic entity all in of themselves.  Anthropophagus I have found to be one of those type of films.  I've always heard about this film as something to see, so when I finally got my hands on a copy of it I was pretty excited to see what I was in store for.  Would I be surprised, or would it be a
gigantic disappointment?  Well, read on and I guess you will see.

       For those who are curious, Anthropophagus is a film about a group of tourists who go to a remote island in the ocean only to find that they are the only human life remaining on it.  Although the more and more they dive into things they start to realize that they aren't alone. It was directed by the legendary or infamous (depending on how you look at it) director Joe D'Amato and was written by D'Amato and star of the film George Eastman.

       It stars Tisa Farrow (Fulci's Zombie) who does a great job in this one as she is the one that is spending a majority of the time on screen carrying the movie.  The movie is slow, plodding, but manages to get across the impending doom that the group faces very well.  It's been said by George Eastman that the movie was made for no other purpose other than money, and that may be true.  But regardless of what people say, I tend to think that Joe D'Amato did have a considerable amount of directing talent, regardless of him being known almost exclusively as a smut peddler.  He's worked on almost as many films as he's directed as a cinematographer, and honestly I'd rather have D'Amato directing my movies to make a quick buck than many of the hacks and Hollywood "yes" men working in the industry today.  There are some really good scenes in Anthro that really make you stand up at attention, as it does take a long time to get to them.  As in good scenes I'm talking the gore in this one.  It should also be mentioned that although George Eastman is one of the stars of the film, he actually doesn't show up until about 52 minutes into the film.  Once he starts showing up is when the movie really gets moving into the place you were waiting for the entire time.  There's some really good gore scenes (although there is a low amount of gore in the film, when they do show it, it's good) and one of the more controversial things ever in a film.  I won't give that away, but it's definitely another reason to check out the film.

       Overall I would say that because of how hyped it is, that Anthropophagus is disappointing.  It's not a total loss and there are reason's to check it out, although I just wouldn't recommend running out right now or spending your last few dollars on.  D'Amato fans would want to check this out, but if you are looking for this one because of its reputation you may want to skip it.

Rating - **1/2

-Ed Demko