Based on Robert Sheckley's story "The 7th Victim", this film offers a groovy European mid-60s vision of the "future". The authorities have figured out a way to channel the violent nature of humans into something profitable: legalized "murder hunts". There are ten that each person must survive, either as a killer or a victim. The rewards are substantial. Ursula Andress is cast as the very successful American player Caroline Meredith, who is tagged to go after cunning, suave Marcello Poletti (Marcello Mastroianni).
"The 10th Victim" is pretty interesting for the time it was made, and it does indeed work as a forerunner to entertainment such as "The Running Man". It may also remind viewers of the more recent "Purge" series. It's a fun satire, with plenty of amusing visuals, not to mention a hip soundtrack. It's not for people who prefer lots of action, because there isn't much to speak of here. It's also not particularly gory - people do get shot, but you don't ever really see bullet wounds. Director Elio Petri, also one of the screenwriters, makes it zip along effectively, with enough rapid fire dialogue to sustain its pace.
The good supporting cast includes Elsa Martinelli as Marcellos' disgruntled girlfriend Olga, Luce Bonifassy as his soon to be ex-wife, Massimo Serato as his helpful lawyer, and Salvo Randone as the professor. The two leads are charismatic, and Ursula looks great in various revealing outfits.
It might not be to all tastes, but it's fairly colorful entertainment for those who dig its style.
Seven out of 10.
"The 10th Victim" is pretty interesting for the time it was made, and it does indeed work as a forerunner to entertainment such as "The Running Man". It may also remind viewers of the more recent "Purge" series. It's a fun satire, with plenty of amusing visuals, not to mention a hip soundtrack. It's not for people who prefer lots of action, because there isn't much to speak of here. It's also not particularly gory - people do get shot, but you don't ever really see bullet wounds. Director Elio Petri, also one of the screenwriters, makes it zip along effectively, with enough rapid fire dialogue to sustain its pace.
The good supporting cast includes Elsa Martinelli as Marcellos' disgruntled girlfriend Olga, Luce Bonifassy as his soon to be ex-wife, Massimo Serato as his helpful lawyer, and Salvo Randone as the professor. The two leads are charismatic, and Ursula looks great in various revealing outfits.
It might not be to all tastes, but it's fairly colorful entertainment for those who dig its style.
Seven out of 10.