Absurd (film)

Absurdposter

Absurd is a 1981 Italian horror film directed by Joe D'Amato and starring George Eastman, who also wrote the screenplay. It is often considered a semi-sequel to D'Amato's earlier film Anthropophagus. The film is also known under its original Italian title, Rosso Sangue, and has been released under various names in different markets, including Zombie 6: Monster Hunter in Germany and The Grim Reaper 2 in the United States.

Plot

The film follows a madman, Mikos Stenopolis (played by George Eastman), who escapes from a hospital after undergoing an experimental healing process that makes him nearly invincible. Stenopolis goes on a killing spree, pursued by a priest (played by Edmund Purdom) who knows more about his origins. The priest seeks to stop him before he can kill again. The narrative unfolds in a small American town where Stenopolis targets a family, leading to a series of brutal and gory encounters.

Production

Absurd was produced during a period when Italian cinema was known for its prolific output of horror and exploitation films. Directed by Joe D'Amato, a filmmaker with a reputation for blending explicit gore and eroticism, Absurd does not shy away from graphic violence. The film's special effects, which include a range of gruesome death scenes, were a significant aspect of its appeal to fans of the genre.

The screenplay, written by George Eastman (a pseudonym for Luigi Montefiori), explores themes common in horror cinema, such as the unstoppable killer, the vulnerability of the nuclear family, and the battle between good and evil. Despite its low budget, the film manages to create an atmosphere of tension and dread, enhanced by its synthesizer-driven score.

Reception

Upon its release, Absurd received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its effective use of gore and suspense, while others criticized it for its derivative plot and lack of originality. Over the years, however, the film has gained a cult following among fans of Italian horror and exploitation cinema, who appreciate its straightforward approach to the genre and its unapologetic embrace of gore.

Legacy

Absurd is often discussed in the context of the "video nasty" phenomenon in the United Kingdom during the early 1980s. It was one of the films targeted by the British government in a campaign against violent and sexually explicit videos. This notoriety only served to increase its popularity among horror enthusiasts.

In recent years, the film has been reassessed by some critics and scholars as an important work in the oeuvre of Joe D'Amato and as a notable example of Italian exploitation cinema. Its influence can be seen in the work of contemporary horror filmmakers who draw on the aesthetic and thematic elements of 1980s horror.

See Also

• Anthropophagus
• Joe D'Amato
• George Eastman
• Italian horror film
• Video nasty