Last House on the Left (1972)

Few films have earned such notoriety and cult status the original LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT. It is one of the most vile, disgusting, and unapologetic films ever to be made. Two young girls are abducted by a group of ex-cons, and forced to do unthinkable things before being mercilessly slain. With no where else to go, the murders take refuge in a nearby house, but have hell to pay when the owners discover that the four have just killed their daughter. In terms of the technical work and acting in the film, the overall production is extremely amateur. There is a contrast between the upbeat and comical soundtrack that is set to gruesome displays of violence and depravity. We also have a goofy pair of cops and a heroine junkie added for comic relief that is entirely out of place. On top of that, the camera placements and filming evidence the inexperience of the crew. While these elements work against it in many ways, this guerrilla filmmaking also create an unmatched sense of realism and intimacy that thrusts the audience into the sickening events. While several of the characters are played up and over the top, the role of Krug is one of the most frightening, powerful, and iconic roles in any Horror film, due entirely to David Hess' forceful performance. The girls also offer believable and naturalistic portrayals, and one cant help but be infuriated and revolted while watching their degradation and torture.

While the film lacks the polished finish of a studio effort, what makes it an important staple in the genre is the ruthless and continual violence that starts quick and does not yield at any point. None of the events are entertaining; none of them are held back; nothing is implied, censored, or shot in cut-aways. Every graphic, loathsome event is depicted on screen and forced upon the audience. It is a train wreck that is so compelling, the audience cannot ignore or deny it. It also paved the way for the Exploitation genre that took hold of the Grindhouse circuit and International market in the years to follow. LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT is just as abhorrent the first time as it is the second, the third, and the twentieth. No film has achieved the same audience reaction, making this an all-time classic and an absolute must-see for every genre fan.

Rating: 10/10.
Gore: 9/10.
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