Il Paese Del Sesso Selvaggio - Legacy

Legacy

Though the "cannibal boom" of the 1970s and 1980s did not start until Ruggero Deodato released his film Last Cannibal World in 1977, Man from Deep River is seen as either the inspiration or the start of the cannibal genre, as the combination of the rain forest setting and onscreen cannibalism was not seen until its release (ironically, director Umberto Lenzi would admit that cannibalism was not intended to be the central theme). When released in America, it would prove successful on Time Square's 42nd Street under the title of Sacrifice!, offering the opportunity for similar films to enjoy that same success (which was ultimately the case). Lenzi was even given the chance to direct Last Cannibal World, but the producers chose Ruggero Deodato when they refused to match Lenzi's price. He would, however, make a follow up in 1980 with his film Eaten Alive! (which even featured the Grindhouse theaters of 42nd Street that had made Man from Deep River famous).