Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is a 1975 Italian-French film directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini and based on Marquis de Sade’s The 120 Days of Sodom.
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is a 1975 Italian-French film directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini and based on Marquis de Sade’s The 120 Days of Sodom. Set in fascist-occupied Italy during World War II, it depicts four wealthy libertines who imprison 18 teenagers and subject them to extreme abuse as an allegory of power and authoritarianism.
Plot
The film follows four fascist officials and libertines in Nazi-Fascist northern Italy who imprison 18 teenagers in a secluded location. Over 120 days, the captives are subjected to ritualized humiliation, violence, and torture.
Production and source material
The screenplay was written by Pier Paolo Pasolini and adapts Marquis de Sade’s 1785 novel The 120 Days of Sodom. It was produced in Italy and France and released in 1975.
Themes and interpretation
The film is commonly read as an allegory about fascism, authoritarian power, consumerism, and moral collapse. Commentary from film institutions describes it as one of cinema’s most debated and provocative works.
Reception and legacy
Salò has been described as one of the most notorious and disturbing films ever made, while also being defended as a masterpiece of political cinema. Its graphic content has made it a frequent subject of censorship and critical debate. The film has also screened in Canadian repertory and museum programming, reflecting ongoing Canadian critical interest in Pasolini and controversial world cinema.
Key facts
- Pasolini’s film was his final completed feature.
- The story is set in the fascist Republic of Salò in 1944.
- The plot centres on four libertines who abduct 18 young people and abuse them over 120 days.
- The film is widely described as controversial, disturbing, and politically allegorical.
- Its themes include fascism, power, corruption, sadism, and dehumanization.
The film has screened in Canadian repertory and museum programming, reflecting ongoing Canadian critical interest in Pasolini and controversial world cinema.[10]
Frequently asked questions
Who directed Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom?
What is the film based on?
When was it released?
What is the film about?
Why is the film controversial?
References
- UCLA Film & Television Archive — https://www.ucla.eduSupports: Release year, country, runtime, director, screenplay basis, setting, and summary of plot and reputation.
- American Film Institute — https://www.afi.comSupports: Director, producer, year, runtime, and description of the film as a controversial political allegory.
- Brooklyn Academy of Music — https://www.bam.orgSupports: Pasolini as director, last film, adaptation of de Sade, fascist Italy setting, and themes.
- IMDb — https://www.imdb.comSupports: Title, year, director, and plot synopsis.
- Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.orgSupports: Basic film facts, plot summary, and thematic overview.
- Northwest Film Forum — https://www.nwfilmforum.orgSupports: Film’s notoriety, censorship history, and general characterization as a transgressive work.