Ruggero Deodato is most widely known for his controversial masterpiece "Cannibal Holocaust" of 1980, which makes him a genius director in my book. None of his other films comes anywhere near the brilliance of "Cannibal Holocaust", and yet most of them are extremely entertaining films that fans of the gory and nasty kind of cinema should appreciate. Deodato's repertoire includes a variety of films of different (sub-)genres such as "L'Ultimo Mondo Cannibale" (aka. "Jungle Holocaust", 1977), "House On The Edge Of The Park" (1980) , or "Live Like A Cop, Die Like A Man" (1976, a Poliziottoesco which I have yet to see), and this "Inferno In Diretta" aka. "Cut And Run" of 1985. While this is certainly not one of Deodato's best films, it is definitely a must-see for his fans.
"Cut And Run" is a film that, once again, takes place in the jungle. The film may not be as disturbing as "Cannibal Holocaust" or some other films by Deodato, but it is certainly not for the faint-hearted. There are no cannibals this time, but there's an atrocious drug-war going on instead, and Deodato is, as usual, not exactly stingy with explicit violence, nauseating gore and genuine nastiness. Horror fans should especially appreciate the casting of Michael Berryman ("The Hills Have Eyes") who, once again, has the creepiest role in the film. Lisa Blount ("Prince Of Darkness") and Leonard Mann, whom Spaghetti Western fans might know for films like "Forgotten Pistolero" or "Three Amens For Satan", play the leading roles as a reporter and a cameraman. The supporting cast furthermore includes Italian genre-cinema regulars John Steiner and Gabriele Tinti. The score is delivered by the great Claudio Simonetti, the genius composer and keyboard player of Progressive Rock band Goblin, who is responsible for most of the greatest scores in Italian Horror cinema. The greatest aspect of "Cut And Run" is the brilliant photography - Deodato sure knows how to to give the jungle the menacing atmosphere of a green Inferno. "Cut And Run" is certainly not one of his greatest films, but his fans should definitely not miss this violent dose of action-packed Deodato jungle-madness!
