Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is a controversial and provocative film that pushes the boundaries of cinema. Based on the works of the Marquis de Sade, the film is a harrowing exploration of power, sexuality, and the human condition set against the backdrop of fascist Italy. Notorious for its graphic content and disturbing themes, Salò remains a polarizing yet critically significant piece of art.
In this review, we’ll delve into the plot, character performances, themes, visual style, and critical reception, along with where to stream or rent Salò online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: A Disturbing Allegory
Set in the Republic of Salò during World War II, the film follows a group of wealthy fascists who abduct a number of young men and women. These captives are subjected to a series of increasingly horrific and sadistic acts, designed to break their spirits and demonstrate the absolute power of their captors. The narrative is divided into four segments: the Antechamber, the Circle of Shit, the Circle of Blood, and the Circle of Desire, each representing different forms of degradation and dehumanization.
Pasolini’s adaptation serves as a dark allegory for the brutality of fascism and the depravity of human nature, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power dynamics and societal complicity.
Cast and Performances: Chilling Realism
Salò features a mix of professional actors and non-professionals, which enhances the film’s unsettling realism:
- Giorgio Cataldi as the Duke is a chilling embodiment of power and cruelty. His performance encapsulates the sadistic nature of the oppressor, making him a memorable antagonist.
- Tina D’Angelo and Massimo Girotti portray the young victims with a rawness that heightens the film’s emotional impact. Their performances evoke sympathy and horror as they navigate their torment.
- The ensemble cast contributes to the film’s unsettling atmosphere, creating a sense of authenticity in their portrayals of both victims and oppressors.
Themes: Power, Dehumanization, and Resistance
Salò explores several challenging themes:
- Power and control: The film serves as a brutal examination of absolute power and its corrupting influence. The captors’ sadistic games illustrate how power can lead to dehumanization and moral decay.
- Sexuality and consent: The film’s graphic depictions of sexual violence force viewers to confront uncomfortable realities about consent and the exploitation of the vulnerable.
- Societal complicity: Pasolini critiques societal structures that enable oppression, suggesting that complicity in injustice is as damaging as the acts themselves.
Visual Style: Provocative and Unsettling
The visual style of Salò is stark and unflinching. Cinematographer Tavernier employs a cold, clinical aesthetic that mirrors the film’s themes of dehumanization. The use of static shots and minimal camera movement enhances the feeling of voyeurism, forcing viewers to witness the atrocities without distraction.
The film’s art direction, with its stark contrasts of opulence and decay, serves to highlight the absurdity of the characters’ actions against the backdrop of luxury and indulgence.
Critical Reception: Controversy and Significance
Upon its release, Salò was met with immediate controversy due to its explicit content and unsettling themes. Many countries banned the film, and it faced significant criticism from audiences and critics alike. However, over time, it has been reevaluated as a significant work of art that challenges viewers to confront difficult questions about power, morality, and human nature.
Film scholars have noted its place in the canon of provocative cinema, recognizing Pasolini’s bold exploration of themes that resonate even decades later.
Where to Watch Salò Online in the U.S.
If you’re interested in watching Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom, here are some platforms in the U.S. where you can find it:
1. Amazon Prime Video
Salò is available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $12.99
- Devices: Available on Fire TV, Roku, smart TVs, and mobile devices.
2. Apple TV (iTunes)
Apple TV users can rent or purchase Salò in HD.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $12.99
- Devices: Available on iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and Macs.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
You can rent or purchase Salò on Google Play Movies.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $12.99
- Devices: Watch on Android devices, smart TVs, and Chromecast.
4. Criterion Channel
Salò is available for streaming on the Criterion Channel, which specializes in classic and art-house films.
- Subscription Required: Monthly fee applies.
- Devices: Available on smart TVs, Roku, and mobile devices.
5. Vudu
Vudu offers Salò for rental and purchase without a subscription.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $12.99
- Devices: Available on Roku, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
Conclusion: A Challenging but Essential Viewing
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is a harrowing and provocative film that challenges viewers to confront the darkest aspects of human nature and societal structures. With its uncompromising vision and unsettling themes, Pasolini’s work remains relevant and thought-provoking. For those prepared to engage with its challenging content, Salò is available on various streaming and rental platforms in the U.S.
