"Violated!" is a sordid affair, a sleazy, and unabashedly exploitative flick from the master of low-budget shockers, Albert Zugsmith. Released in 1975, this pseudo-slasher is not for the faint-hearted or those seeking cinematic elegance.
The film follows a simple formula: take a disturbing topic, in this case, rape, add a generous helping of titillation and cheap thrills, stir in some questionable ethics, and you have "Violated!" in a nutshell. It's a recipe that will undoubtedly divide audiences, with some reveling in its outrageousness and others being rightfully offended.
The story, if one can call it that, revolves around a heinous act of sexual violence and the subsequent revenge that unfolds. What sets this film apart from others in the 'rape and revenge' sub-genre is its unabashed embrace of the exploitative nature of the topic. The slide whistle and freeze-frame finish, as mentioned by other reviewers, are bizarre and almost comical choices that somehow make the film even more disturbing.
The cast, though small, is committed to the frenetic energy of the film. They unleash a torrent of anger and unrestrained emotion onto the screen, creating an unstable and unpredictable atmosphere. While the acting is not award-worthy, it suits the grindhouse nature of the film.
One scene that stands out is a bizarre debate between the leads about the ethics of the Bible and the electric chair. It's a psycho-babble-filled interlude that adds a layer of pseudo-intellectualism to an otherwise base and visceral film.
"Violated!" also taps into societal stigmas surrounding sex work and sexual assault. It offers fleeting moments of insight and sanity within the gutter, as one reviewer aptly put it. These glimpses provide a twisted form of social commentary that elevates the film slightly above pure trash.
However, these moments are few and far between, and the film primarily exists to titillate and shock. It is a product of its time, and one can't help but feel a sense of unease at the way it exploits sensitive topics.
In conclusion, "Violated!" is a mean-spirited, gritty, and bloody affair that will appeal to fans of exploitation cinema. It earns a rating of 5/10 for its sheer audacity and ability to provide a glimpse into the seedy underbelly of 1970s grindhouse cinema.
So, if you're feeling adventurous and have a strong stomach, step right up and let "Violated!" take you on a wild and sinful ride!
Just remember, as the film itself warns, keep an eye out for perverts, and don't get Violated! 😈
