Me Me Lai Bites Back

Me Me Lai Bites Back is a fascinating 2018 documentary film that celebrates and explores the life and career of the eponymous actress, Me Me Lai. The documentary, directed by Naomi Holwill, delves into her journey as an actress, beginning with her initial screenings in European war movies to her iconic roles in the controversial sub-genre of Italian cinema, 'Cannibal Films.'

The film features varied perspectives from an eclectic ensemble of film professionals, including Ruggero Deodato and Eli Roth. These interviews provide an intensely engaging narrative that draws the audience into the world of Me Me Lai and the movies she's known for.

Italian director Ruggero Deodato, known for his impactful contribution to the cannibal genre with his infamous film 'Cannibal Holocaust,' sheds light on his creative interactions with Lai. His interviews provide an insider's account into their collaboration in movies like 'Jungle Holocaust,' adding first-hand insights into how Lai contributed to shaping characters in these films.

On the other hand, Eli Roth, director of 'The Green Inferno' which pays homage to the cannibal horror genre, offers a more contemporary view. Roth comes in to provide a layered understanding of Lai's influence on the modern horror scene, and her enduring impact on new generations of horror fans and filmmakers.

We also hear from Mike Hostench, deputy director of the Sitges Film Festival, further solidifying Lai's importance in the world of film and her cultural impact on the genre of horror, specific to the 'cannibal films'.

In creating her portrait, Me Me Lai Bites Back seeks to explore not only the character of the actress herself but also the times and circumstances that shaped her career. The title of the film is suggestive of the revolutionary spirit of Lai, her rebelliousness and audacity in an industry and genre often under fire for their explicit gore and violence. In performing roles that blended elements of fear, survival, and sensuality, Lai carved an unconventional path for herself in a traditionally male-dominated genre of cinema.

Although the documentary focuses on the cannibal genre, it manages to handle its subject matter with respect and sensitivity, without descending into explicit detailing of the gruesome or sensational aspects these films are famous for. Director Naomi Holwill skilfully uses the genre as a backdrop to paint an extended portrait of Me Me Lai, reframing her as more than just an actress in these controversial films and rather as a culturally significant figure.

The film also offers an engaging explanation of why Lai, and the genre she's synonymous with, remain relevant today. The documentary jumps between past and present, using the perspectives of the many interviewees to understand the impact of Lai's work on the genre and its audience. This comprehensive approach ensures that the audience is presented with a rounded look at the actress's career, which includes her disappearance from the limelight following her work in the 'cannibal films' and her somewhat recent resurgence in popularity.

With a healthy dose of nostalgia and an affectionately sentimental exploration of horror films from the 70s and 80s, Me Me Lai Bites Back is an engaging and insightful viewing experience that goes beyond the typical career retrospective. The film is a cultural milestone, presenting a detailed examination of a film genre that continues to intrigue and divide audiences to this day.

Holwill's expert direction ensures that we get to see Me Me Lai not as a distant figure on a cinema screen but as a fully formed woman with her own thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Throughout the film, amidst the array of informative interviews, the focus remains firmly on the actress at its center.

In addition to being a compelling tribute to Me Me Lai's enduring legacy, Me Me Lai Bites Back also stands as a testament to the transformative and even subversive power of cinema. This documentary is sure to interest not just horror geeks and film buffs interested in niche genres of Cinemas, but also viewers intrigued by explorations of cultural phenomena and trailblazing figures within the entertainment industry. With interviews, clips, and a leading lady who certainly bites back, it’s a must-watch documentary to understand the layers of the controversial 'cannibal film' genre and the performers who shaped it.