Growing Up With I Spit on Your Grave

Growing Up With I Spit on Your Grave is a unique documentary released in 2019, which delves into the creation, controversy, and cultural impact of the 1978 cult classic horror exploitation film “I Spit on Your Grave”. This dissection of cinematic history offers an enthralling journey into the world behind an initially despised film that became an iconic statement for women's resistance against oppression.

Starring Camille Keaton, Meir Zarchi, and Gunter Kleemann from the original film, the documentary presents a grand reunion of the major players involved in the making of the controversial movie. It provides viewers with an unusual opportunity to hear their first-hand experiences, hindsight insights and raw reflections, collected over a span of 40 years.

Growing Up With I Spit on Your Grave doesn't just peek behind the curtain, it dismantles the stage and dissects the components that crafted an iconic horror masterpiece. It exhibits the grit and tenacity of the filmmakers, led by Meir Zarchi, to achieve his vision despite numerous setbacks. The character of Meir Zarchi isn't merely presented as the director but as a visionary whose controversial ideology of presenting unadulterated horror and raw violence left audiences both stunned and perplexed.

Camille Keaton, the central figure of the original movie and the heart of this documentary, contributes her intimate knowledge of the film's sensitive subject matter, the controversial reputation it carried and the cultural impact it has made. Featured interviews highlight her bravery in tackling such a confrontational role and her perspective enriches the narrative of this compelling documentary.

Gunter Kleemann who played one of the assailants adds to the compelling narrative by providing insights into the challenges encountered during the shooting of those intense scenes. His reflections on the psychological impact that the film may have had on the audience are fascinating and contribute to a greater understanding of the historical context of its reception.

In addition to the personal reflections offered by those closest to the heart of the film, Growing Up With I Spit on Your Grave also presents in-depth and varied commentary from a range of film scholars, critics, and fans. The objective of compiling these subjective and objective viewpoints in this cinematic review is much more than just summoning nostalgia; it constructs an impressive demonstration of how far we've come as a society in our cinematic tastes, tolerance, depiction of violence, and sexual politics.

The documentary also provides abundant behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive photos, and interviews, magnifying the production processes and filming conditions. It explores the significant shift in public opinion towards the movie, from being widely rejected to becoming an influential landmark for a sub-genre. Importantly, the documentary also discusses the remake and sequels to 'I Spit On Your Grave,' fostering a comprehensive dialogue about the widening legacy of a unique piece of cinema.

It dives deep into the casting, shooting particulars, screenplay narration, promotional campaign, and the storm of criticism and controversy that followed the film's release. The documentary broadens the discussion by delving into its impact on global cinema culture and exploring why and how 'I Spit on Your Grave' continues to arouse passions and debates.

Growing Up With I Spit on Your Grave is not just a look back at one particular movie; it’s a deep exploration of the cultural history and societal attitudes of the time it was made. It’s a movie about movies and how they reflect and provoke the world around them. It’s a film that weaves the personal anecdotes of the original cast and crew with academic commentary, delineating the remarkable trajectory of a film from despised pariah to its elevation as cult classic.

This documentary acts as a lens that provides a candid look into past cultural mores, artistic ambition, constraints of budget filmmaking, audacity to challenge societal norms, and the power of cinema that polarizes opinion but endures through the decades to remain a talking point.

For those who appreciate the art and history of filmmaking or who have been fascinated by the cultural impact of the original ‘I Spit on Your Grave’, ‘Growing Up With I Spit on Your Grave' is an undeniably rich, thought provoking and vital addition to the understanding of this particular pocket of film history.