Forced Entry

Forced Entry is a controversial and chilling horror exploitation film from 1973. This boundary-pushing feature is directed by Shaun Costello and stars Harry Reems, Laura Cannon, and Jutta David. The film is often mentioned in conversations about shock cinema due to its intense, unflinching portrayal of violent crime and psychological terror.

The narrative follows a Vietnam War veteran who takes up a horrific career as a full-service gas station attendant by day, and a disturbed serial killer by night. Harry Reems takes center stage in a role that could not be farther from his image as the charming lead of adult movies. The transformation of his character from a war-tortured soul to a relentless predator is eerily compelling, making the viewing experience unnerving yet hypnotizing.

Harry Reems expertly exhibits the duality of his character— an outwardly jovial worker carrying a smile that hides a terrifying underbelly. His performance brings an uncomfortable reality to the movie, highlighting the horror of everyday safety breached by unexpected danger.

Equally impressive is Laura Cannon, who deals a strong hand as one of the victims of the central character's brutal offense. Cannon's performance is both poignant and provoking. She emotes her fear, vulnerability, and resilience, amplifying the unsettling tone of the movie. This acting strength adds a deep layer of pathos to the horrifying plight of her character, an unsuspecting woman going about her everyday life.

Jutta David adds another level to the performance spectrum as a distinct character affected by the grim scenarios unfolding in the film. Her character shows both strength and vulnerability, giving audiences an idea of the disturbing psyche of Reems' character and the terrifying ordeal of his victims.

Forced Entry should be viewed through a critical lens due to its explicit content, which serves as a conversation starter on violence, war, trauma, and moral decay. It serves as a critique of the emotional turmoil experienced by war veterans and social attitudes towards the aftermath of war trauma. This is an unflinching exploration of society's darkest corners, making it a deeply unsettling yet impactful viewing experience.

It is important to keep in mind that the movie does not aim to entertain but rather to expose. It emphasizes the abhorrent acts of violence committed by a man whose sanity has been warped by his brutal war experiences. The striking depiction of the torment lingering in the protagonist's mind speaks volumes about the profound and disturbing impacts of war.

The director, Shaun Costello, pulls no punches with his raw and unvarnished story. He vividly portrays the unspeakable terror inflicted by a deranged mind and the incessant hell his victims go through. The unapologetic explicitness of the scenes can be overwhelming, but it serves as a grim reminder of the hidden dangers lurking within seemingly ordinary settings.

It is clear that Costello intended to use the film to jolt audiences out of their comfort zones and provoke thought around the darker aspects of human nature. An uncompromising examination of the human psyche, Forced Entry takes viewers on a shocking and unforgettable journey.

The cinematography and direction drive home the impact of the plot. The grim and unsanitized visuals echo the film's central theme of intrusion, both physical and psychological. This visual language encapsulates the tone of the movie, projecting a world plagued by violence and horror. It forces the audience to confront the harsh realities unchecked psychopathy can lead to, and the pain that echoes long after the act has been committed.

In conclusion, Forced Entry is a grim and disconcerting piece of cinema that stirs visceral reactions from viewers. While the content may be difficult to digest, it serves as a chilling testament to the horrors of human depravity and a stark portrayal of the psychological aftermath of war. Despite being an exploitation movie, it transcends its base nature to form a potent critique of war, violence, and societal decay. Although far from a crowd-pleaser, it definitely leaves a mark in anyone daring enough to venture into its disturbing narrative.