Director: Richard Griffin,
Starring: Michael Reed, Sarah Nicklin, Ruth Sullivan, Brandon Luis Aponte, Gio Castellano, Babette Bombshell,
Running Time: 86 Minutes
Certificate: 18
THE DISCO EXORCIST is a title straight out of the 70s, which is the decade this film wishes it could be a part of. Back then the seedy cinemas were a place where such delightful sexploitation flicks could thrive without judgement. Now however, there’s probably a huge chunk of the film watching community that don’t quite get a film that mixes copious amounts of sex, bloody violence, and disco music. THE DISCO EXORCIST is a wonderful mix of both genre parody as well as straight faced homage.
The film begins with the disclaimer “The Producers have no memory of making this picture.” Whether that be the truth, trying to put some distance between themselves and the deviance on screen, or simply a tongue in a cheek gag to kick start the film, all would be equally believable. From the outset it’s clear how much effort has gone in to recreating the sexploitation feel of 70s classics. The cinematography is gritty and articles remain present on screen at all times. There’s even the old ‘Scene Missing’ trick. All of these add to the atmosphere without trying too hard. Unlike big name directors that have ventured into such territory, we don’t have recognisable stars or a sense of self-knowing. It’s all done by the book and it’s all the better for it. Even the actresses and actors seem as though they have been ripped from the 70s. Griffin could have gone with the enhanced adult film star look of today, but he keeps it all natural.
The main thrust (excuse me) of the plot sees ladies man Rex Romanski (Reed) spurn a recent fling for a porn star hero of his, Amoreena Jones (Nicklin). But wouldn’t you just know it, the jilted lover, Rita (Sullivan) knows some witchcraft. Romanski’s world of sex and disco is soon turned upside down with possessed porn stars out for blood. The title is deserved as THE DISCO EXORCIST really does give equal balance between the disco balls and flares, and the blood spurting kills. Anyone who hates either of the two won’t be having the best of times.
Although the music and violence are stand outs, it’s the sex that’s most prominent, and once again Griffin refuses to play it for laughs. Sure it’s cheesy and at times eye-rolling, but it also comes across (excuse me) as sincere thanks to the best part of the film, the actors. Having just watched DARCULA 3D recently, I was upset to see fairly big and talented stars acting bad on purpose. Here, the cast give it their all and it greatly improves everything about the film. You care about the characters, can easily engage with what they’re saying, and just love seeing them on screen. That means you aren’t just twiddling your thumbs between the gore, dancing, and sex, but actually enjoying yourself. If you’re craving for a 70s exploitation homage done right, then this is the film for you.
THE DISCO EXORCIST is released on DVD on 14th October via Monster Pictures.
