I didn't really like this movie when I first started watching it because it was so confusing, so silly and it felt so rushed. Well, after about 10 minutes I started falling in love with this plot less, goofy structure. What little plot there is, is a post apocalyptic wasteland that is kind of, sort of, a sequel to Death Race 2000. Before you think about grouping it in with one of dozens of Mad Max ripoffs, keep in mind that this film came BEFORE Mad Max. Although it looks similar to many post apocalyptic movies you remember from the 80s or even from today with something like Fury Road, it is a pre-cursor to those films and probably had some influence on them. Deathsport incorporates old magic with futuristic technology with plenty of things you'd recognize from the present which is common with many films in this genre. I know most people who have seen this flick will focus on the absurdity of it, but I think there's a few impressive even intellectual things that viewers miss. The movie is clearly fueled by drugs (weed, LSD and cocaine if I had to guess) and because of this there is a lot of experimentation with acting, camera shots and filming styles. The way the movie plays with color, at times it looks like the director is being influenced by Dario Argento. Also, between what is happening mentally with the evil Lord Zirpola and the gladiatorial like games, I'd say the writers have clearly studied the reign of Caligula. Despite the heavy drug use on the set, or perhaps because of it, this film is smarter than most people think. But regardless of whether you want to see a film with experimental shots and smart metaphors or you simply want to see full frontal female nudity, plastic swords that would later be used for the Crystar toy line and David Carradine kicking butt in a loincloth, you will enjoy this film.
Review of Deathsport
