Horror Movie is Considered The ‘Most Disturbing’ of All Time and is Banned in 50 Countries

In the realm of horror cinema, few films have garnered as much controversy, outrage, and fascination as Cannibal Holocaust, a 1980 Italian horror film directed by Ruggero Deodato. Widely considered one of the most disturbing movies ever made, the film has been banned in over 50 countries and even led to the arrest of its director. The story behind Cannibal Holocaust is as shocking as the film itself, marking it as a significant, albeit notorious, piece of cinematic history.

The Plot and Infamy of Cannibal Holocaust

Cannibal Holocaust is a gruesome narrative that follows a group of American documentary filmmakers who venture into the Amazon rainforest to capture footage of cannibalistic tribes. When the crew goes missing, a rescue team is dispatched, only to discover their gruesome fate through the “found footage” left behind. This innovative approach to storytelling, which presents the recovered footage as if it were real, is credited with pioneering the found-footage genre that later inspired films like The Blair Witch Project.¹

However, it was this very technique that led to the film’s notoriety. Upon its release, the film was so convincing that many believed the deaths depicted on screen were real. This belief was fueled by the fact that Deodato had the actors sign contracts that prevented them from appearing in any media for a year, to maintain the illusion of their deaths. The intense realism of the film led to widespread panic and controversy, with Italian authorities seizing the film and arresting Deodato on charges of obscenity and murder just ten days after its premiere.²

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The Legal Battle & Clearing of Charges

The most shocking aspect of the legacy of Cannibal Holocaust is the legal battle that ensued following its release. Deodato was accused of creating a snuff film—a movie where actual murders are filmed for entertainment purposes—due to the realistic depictions of violence and death. The director had to produce his supposedly deceased actors in court to prove they were alive, eventually leading to the dismissal of the murder charges.³

Despite clearing his name regarding the human deaths, Deodato, along with the film’s backers, was convicted of animal cruelty. This was due to the real on-screen deaths of several animals, including a turtle, monkeys, and a pig, which were killed during the filming process. This element of the film remains one of the most controversial aspects, contributing to its ban in multiple countries and the enduring debate over its ethical implications.

The Impact and Legacy of Cannibal Holocaust

Cannibal Holocaust has left an indelible mark on the horror genre, both for its pioneering use of found footage and for its role in pushing the boundaries of what could be shown on screen. Professional opinions on the film are divided. Some consider it a masterpiece of horror, while others see it as an exploitative work that crossed too many lines. “The film is, to put it bluntly, one of the most intentionally distasteful and violent experiences one could ever watch,” writes Chase Hutchinson for Collider.⁴ Steve Rose of The Guardian notes that despite its many sins, the film’s influence has been acknowledged by notable directors such as Oliver Stone and Quentin Tarantino.

The film’s controversial status is further cemented by its inclusion on the UK’s “Video Nasties” list—a group of films banned for their violent content. Although Cannibal Holocaust was eventually released in some countries with cuts, it took until 2011 for the film to be approved for release in an almost entirely uncut version in the UK.

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The Debate Over Animal Cruelty

One of the most enduring criticisms of Cannibal Holocaust is the real-life animal cruelty depicted in the film. Several animals were killed on camera, a choice Deodato defended by stating that these deaths were meant to feed the film’s characters and crew, reflecting the harsh realities of survival in the wild. However, this defense has done little to quell the outrage among viewers and animal rights advocates, and it remains a significant stain on the film’s legacy.

Conclusion: A Film That Will Not Be Forgotten

Cannibal Holocaust is not just a horror film; it is a cultural phenomenon that has sparked discussions about the ethics of filmmaking, the limits of artistic expression, and the responsibilities of creators. Its blend of brutal realism and innovative storytelling has ensured its place in the annals of horror history, but it is a place marked by controversy and condemnation. For those who dare to watch, the film offers an experience that is as thought-provoking as it is disturbing, challenging viewers to confront the darker aspects of humanity and the media that portrays it.

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