MovieChat Forums > The Last House on the Left (1972) Discussion > Very effective, non-exploitive movie...

Very effective, non-exploitive movie...

posted 8 years ago by I_Love_Hutch
1 reply | jump to latest

I don't even know if I would call LHOTL horror or not. There certainly was some suspense. But, unlike soooo many other movies featuring rape and torture/graphic violence, somehow this one stands alone as being non-exploitive/unsensational. The violence seemed almost casual, like the killers would just as soon eat fried chicken. They seemed almost soulless in a way that most movie psychopaths can't touch. They are not the least bit flashy. I think one of the most emotionally impactful scenes I've ever come across is right after Mari's rape. That song "Now, You're all Alone" and the looks of being completely forlorn and lost and hopeless. I was not expecting this. It was very emotional.

I thought I was gonna die! - Roseanne Roseannadanna

[–] ElectricWarlock 8 years ago

Yes, it's rather scary to think there are people like this in real life. They don't wear big signs that say "EVIL" but they just seem like normal people. I think that's one of the most disturbing things about this film. Despite the fact the killers say and do evil things you can't help but like them because they do have a certain charm. Watching their banter back and forth is rather entertaining. But they are wicked people just the same. I notice the same thing with Rob Zombie's House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil's Rejects (which I believe were possibly influenced by films like this.) You're conflicted about whether to like the characters because of their larger-than-life personalities or hate them for their disgusting acts.

This film gets lots of criticism for how dated it is and a few awkward comic relief scenes but the characters are still very interesting and I find it deep and thoughtful. I really enjoy this film no matter what anyone says.