Deadly Weapons
Where to Watch Deadly Weapons
Deadly Weapons is a unique cult film from 1974 wrapped in an intricate blend of the exploitative cinema along with a distinctive edge of humor. Directed by Doris Wishman, this remarkably peculiar piece of classic B-movie notoriety features the iconic Chesty Morgan, known best for her outrageous physical assets, which are exploited with a mix of playfulness and tongue-in-cheek audacity in this film.
The plot converges around Chesty Morgan's character, Crystal, a successful advertising executive with quite an unusual twist to her character. Little does the world know, Crystal harbors a secret ability that transforms her from a normal working woman into a lethal assassin. As the protagonist of the film, Morgan’s portrayal of Crystal brings a level of distinctiveness and atypical female empowerment wrapped in 70’s-era film schlock.
Sharing the screen with Morgan is no less than Harry Reems, a renowned figure from the adult-film industry. Reems brilliantly displays his acting prowess in his role as Larry, thereby ensuring a unique cinematic experience for the audience. The film also features Richard Towers, who leaves a substantial mark with his memorable performance. Towers plays Tony, a pivotal character whose actions inadvertently set the film's journey in motion. The polished performance by Towers adds an extra layer of eccentric charm to the film's overall appeal.
Deadly Weapons distinctly stands out on two facets - one, Doris Wishman's unusual but riveting storytelling style that unrelenting focuses on Morgan's proportions; and second, the exaggerated use of Morgan's physique as a weapon of destruction. The film opens a diverse conversation about the female body, its representation, and the creative possibilities that farcical exploitation can explore.
With regard to tone and treatment, Deadly Weapons oscillates between noir and playful parody. The movie is exquisitely shot, featuring an array of arousing yet peculiar visuals, provided by cinematographer C. Davis Smith. This startling combination of modest production values wrapped in a cloak of retro charm sets Deadly Weapons apart from other films of its time.
The film's narrative takes an unexpected turn when Crystal embarks upon a journey of revenge against the mobsters who ended her lover’s life. As she maneuvers her way through the world of seedy criminals and pernicious mob bosses, the audience becomes witness to a slew of scenarios where Morgan's deadly assets are brought into play. Deadly Weapons offers an off-kilter viewing experience that is far removed from the conventional realm of revenge thrillers.
The film’s score, composed by Herschel Gordon Lewis, aligns with the film’s eccentric vibe and provides a fitting musical backdrop for the absurd scenarios playing out on screen. The faintly surreal, slightly garish images accompanied by the unsettlingly charming score, curate a unique sensory experience for the viewers.
Wishman’s distinctive treatment does not shy away from conspicuously exploiting Citroen’s physicality. However, it also hovers within the realm of parody, thereby eschewing a rather derogatory representation. This boundary-blurring esotericism has led Deadly Weapons to have an enduring appeal to a small but passionate group of cult film enthusiasts.
Possibly one of the strangest films ever to grace the screen, Deadly Weapons presupposes a viewer with a taste for the unconventional. Chesty Morgan's wildest cinematic outing is captured in all its bizarre glory under Wishman's peculiar direction. The film's unique charm lies in a celebration of its incongruous quirks - a revenge plot imbued with erotic elements, an unconventional femme fatale and her truly outlandish weapons.
In conclusion, Deadly Weapons is a film that has withstood the test of time due to its bizarre premise, unique characters, and a tongue-in-cheek approach to exploitation cinema. It offers an unusual cinematic ride that is sure to leave an indelible impression on its viewers. It is eccentric, wild, and beyond any norms of typical Hollywood narrative – a true embodiment of 70's fringe cinema. Its separation from streamlined storytelling and established cinema norms entices cinephiles with an appetite for the remarkably idiosyncratic. It is provocative, weirdly compelling, and assuredly unforgettable.
Deadly Weapons is a Crime, Drama movie released in 1974. It has a runtime of 75 Critics and viewers have rated it mostly poor reviews, with an IMDb score of 3.8..