Cast
View AllClaudio Aliotti
as Paul (as Claus Aliot)
Maria Concetta Salieri
as Celine (as Mary Salier)
Robert Egon
as Willy the Nazi
Jessica Moore
as Marie (as Luciana Ottaviani)
Teresa Razzaudi
as Annie
Sebastian Harrison
as Jean
Joseph Alan Johnson
as Marc (uncredited)
Al Cliver
as Drunken Nazi (uncredited)
Zora Kerova
as Succubus (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Lucio Fulci
Producer
- Luigi Nannerini
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/TV Movie film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Sodoma's Ghost presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Lucio Fulci brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1988, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Sodoma's Ghost took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Sodoma's Ghost shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Haunted, which focuses more on action than character development, Sodoma's Ghost subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Investigation: The Mansfield Ghost and Within the Darkness explore similar territory, Sodoma's Ghost stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 30, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 24m
