Cannibal Holocaust director Ruggero Deodato dies at 83

Ruggero Deodato, the Italian director of the controversial but groundbreaking find footage horror film Cannibal Holocaust, has died at the age of 83.

Ruggero Deodato, director of the 1980 found horror film "Cannibal Massacre," has died at the age of 83. The Italian director is best known for creating one of the first major found horror films, and the graphic nature of Cannibal Massacre convinced many viewers that the film was a real-world event. Deodato's notorious film has been controversial over snuff film allegations as well as actual animal executions in the film. Despite a certain level of controversy surrounding it, that hasn't stopped Cannibal Holocaust from gaining a cult following over the past few decades.

The Italian newspaper Il Messagero first reported that Deodato died in Rome at the age of 83. The director left a lasting legacy not only for his work on Cannibal Holocaust, but also for other horror films like House on the Edge of the Park and Get Out. In all, Deodato had directed 21 films at the time of his death, and his latest, Deathcember — part of a horror anthology film — was released in 2019. like found footage movies in genre. Before the Cannibal Holocaust, no film of found footage had ever been released, marking the first time the public had seen a film claiming to be footage of a newly discovered horrific situation. The premise of an American film crew disappearing in the Amazon rainforest presented as real was so fresh at the time that Deodato was arrested and charged with murder on the plausibility of a cannibal massacre. Since then, Cannibal Holocaust has cemented itself as a classic for horror buffs who love the frightening journeys revealed in the found footage.

How Cannibal Holocaust Popularized The Found Footage Genre

Cannibal Holocaust opened the door to other ready-made filmmaking, making this genre of filmmaking popular in horror films. One of the most famous examples of off-camera horror movies that claim to show audiences real events is The Blair Witch Project, which took some of its style from the Cannibal Holocaust. The Blair Witch Project became a pinnacle in its own right, inspiring films like Cloverfield and Paranormal Activity to use found footage in new and creative ways. However, while The Blair Witch Project may have inspired many ready-made filmmakers, Cannibal Holocaust was an early adopter of the technology, paving the way for decades to come.

Deodato left a significant legacy in Cannibal Holocaust and other films he created over the decades. While he may be best remembered for directing Cannibal Holocaust, it's worth noting that Deodato directed a number of films during his career, including the thriller "Get Out" and the horror flick "Body Counting." While none of these films can match the lasting impact of the Cannibal Holocaust, Deodato remains committed to creating controversial and vivid stories in films that will stand the test of time.

Next: Why Paranormal Activity Triggers the Found Footage Craze

Source: Il Messagero