Movie Review: Australia After Dark (1975)

Review by Greg Goodsell

Directed by John D. Lamond

In Australia, “Sheila” is slang for woman, due to the preponderance of gals down there who have Sheila for their first name. What do “Sheilas” like to do Down Under? If this Australian mondo-shockumentary is correct, Sheilas like nothing better than to engage of lots of “messy fun.” Said practice is a sexual fetish where the woman finds release in covering themselves – either clothed or naked – in messy foodstuffs.

Australia After Dark begins with a trio of lassies who gleefully agree to have their naked bodies with paint, rubbing themselves on stark, white studio walls before collapsing joyfully on the canvas covered floor. Long before the United Kingdom’s Splosh! Magazine forced this particular kink out of the closet (Splosh! Is championed by director John Waters), Australia After Dark gives this particular byway a strenuous workout. Women cover themselves with honey, treacle, mud, whipped cream and even more body paint, taking up the final half hour of this film’s running time!

Midnight Movies #12: Shockumentary Triple Feature DVD on 2/26/13!

Blue Underground is back with Midnight Movies #12... the shockumentaries!

AFRICA BLOOD & GUTS:

“What the camera sees it films pitilessly, without sympathy, without taking sides,” it begins. “This film only says farewell to the old Africa and gives the world a picture of its agony.” Here was a world now ruled by rebels and refugees, plunderers and poachers, mercenaries and murderers, a land suddenly aflame with brutality, racism and unspeakable slaughter. At the risk of their own lives, the filmmakers’ cameras captured it all. The result is a daring and disturbing work that ranks among the greatest achievements in documentary cinema, an experience that remains as shocking – and shockingly relevant – as it was 40 years ago. This is AFRICA BLOOD & GUTS!

GOODBYE UNCLE TOM:

It was advertised as “The first motion picture based on historical facts about the rise and revolt of slavery in America.” It became one of the most reviled and misunderstood films of its time. This epic recreation of the American slave trade atrocities was both condemned as depraved exploitation and acclaimed as an unprecedented cry of Black anguish and rage. The Detroit Chronicle hailed it as “a graphic, moving, nerve-paralyzing film.” Legendary film critic Pauline Kael called it “the most specific and rabid incitement of the race war.” Three decades cannot diminish GOODBYE UNCLE TOM’s impact or quiet its controversy.

GODFATHERS OF MONDO:

For more than four decades, they have remained among the most brilliant and misunderstood directors the world of cinema has ever seen. Now in this all-new documentary feature, Gualtiero Jacopetti and Franco Prosperi finally have their say. From their life as journalists and career as filmmakers, through success and scandal, from the tragic misunderstanding that made them international criminals to the reasons behind their bitter break-up, Jacopetti and Prosperi reveal the startling and often surprising stories behind their infamous films. Forty years later, they remain passionate and proud, defensive and daring, and as confrontational and controversial as ever. They are THE GODFATHERS OF MONDO.

AFRICA BLOOD & GUTS Extras:

·         Theatrical Trailers

·         TV Spot

·         Poster & Still Gallery

·         U.S. Press Book (DVD-ROM)

GOODBYE UNCLE TOM Extras:

·         Theatrical Trailer

·         Behind-the-Scenes 8mm Footage with Audio Commentary by Giampaolo Lomi

·         Giampaolo Lomi’s Behind-the-Scenes Still Gallery

·         Poster & Still Gallery

AFRICA BLOOD & GUTS: ©1984 Mediatrade. All Rights Reserved.

GOODBYE UNCLE TOM: ©1971 Euro International Films. All Rights Reserved.

THE GODFATHERS OF MONDO: ©2003 Blue Underground, Inc. All Rights Reserved.