The final vision of a controversial filmmaker.|Nov. 22, 1975|Italy, France|117 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Drama;Horror;Violence(Slasher);War
Description: “Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom,” a 1975 film, is set in 1944 during the fascist occupation of Italy in the Republic of Salò. The story follows four powerful men—the Duke, the Bishop, the Magistrate, and the President—who conspire to engage in a series of depraved rituals. They begin by arranging marriages between their daughters and then decree that the girls must remain naked at all times. To assist them, they enlist four teenage boys as guards and four young soldiers, chosen for their physical attributes.
The group kidnaps numerous youths, selecting nine young men and nine young women to be taken to a palace near Marzabotto. There, they are joined by four middle-aged prostitutes who orchestrate the debauchery. Over the course of their stay, the men devise increasingly horrific forms of torture and humiliation for their victims.
The narrative includes disturbing scenes, such as a daughter being assaulted in front of the group, explicit demonstrations, and forced interactions. The film explores themes of power, cruelty, and exploitation, culminating in a grim portrayal of human depravity.
This controversial and provocative film remains a significant yet challenging piece of cinema, often analyzed for its stark commentary on authoritarianism and moral corruption.
Cast director: Pier Paolo Pasolini
Cast actor: Paolo Bonacelli, Giorgio Cataldi, Umberto P. Quintavalle, Aldo Valletti, Caterina Boratto, Elsa De Giorgi, Hélène Surgère, Sonia Saviange, Sergio Fascetti, Bruno Musso
Original name: Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma