MovieChat Forums > Apocalypse domani (1981) Discussion > Misunderstood, if slightly flawed, gem.

Misunderstood, if slightly flawed, gem.

posted 15 years ago by jockledoodledoo
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The title of this film is a major play in it's all too often seen criticism I'd say; it is very far removed from 'Cannibal Holocaust' or 'Canibal Ferox' - indeed the actual cannibalism itself is quite toned down (unlike in the other namesakes).

The film, rather than being an exploitation romp in the jungle, is set in Atlanta and bears similarity with David Cronenberg's 'Shivers', Romero's 'The Crazies' and obviously 'Dawn of the Dead'. The similarity is a far more low key - rationalized - horror. Some may find the film boring, but this to me is bleakness, and there is a strong difference.

The flaws are seen very early on - the obvious stock footage of Vietnam and the same usual poor dubbing, but place these to one side and you have a great little film. Do not expect another cannibal gore fest, and any David Cronenberg fan would appreciate this... rather like 'Rabid' in more than one way.

[–] aerostonefloyd-1 15 years ago

I agree wholeheartedly. Plus you have a great John Saxon performance to boot. Granted, it would have been a lot better had their been a bigger budget at their disposal (especially during the Vietnam scenes) and if the plot had some better rationalization for the origins of the virus. I also think they could have worked on making a better score as well. The music is just downright cheesy in some places yet works well in others. Anyways, I would LOVE if Cronenberg would remake this or make something similar now with a big budget!