Mondo Keyhole

Mondo Keyhole, a low-budget, independent production from 1966, initiates its viewers into the lesser-known territory of exploitation films. Directed by John Hayes and starring Nick Moriarty, Adele Rein, and Carol Baughman, this movie takes viewers on an exploration of unconventional, thought-provoking, and occasionally controversial subject matter, true to the spirit of the exploitation genre.

The movie primarily revolves around the well-off yet harrowingly jaded character of Nick Moriarty who plays Howard Thorne, a shrewd businessman engaged in the less-savory industry of "roughie" pornography - a sub-genre featuring non-consensual scenarios. Thorne, despite his involvement and profiting from this industry, is portrayed as a paradox, struggling with his understanding of women and the violence against them that his business promotes.

Thorne is grappling with personal demons while outwardly living a seemingly luxurious life. He is a deeply nuanced character whose thirsty pursuit for wealth increasingly masks a more complex inner turmoil encapsulated by a pervasive guilt over the exploitative nature of his business and a fast-growing contempt for the loathsome persona he becomes when submerged in it.

The film presents a striking contrast between Thorne's predatory business persona versus his real-life persona, where he is continually plagued by impotence and haunted by traumatic encounters. His various attempts to extricate himself from the corrosive echo chamber of his own making form the primary narrative arc in the story. His complex internal struggle showcases an extreme manifestation of humanity's common struggle with our worst tendencies, underlining the harsh consequences of unchecked ambition and moral compromise.

Adele Rein plays the feminist vigilante Cathy, who forms a captivating secondary narrative. Her character, a rebel at heart and a rampant avenger on the exterior, is on a mission to rid the society of men who exploit and harm women. While Cathy's violent methods are questionable, her motivations and her mission form a compelling social commentary. Her character acts as a counterpoint to Thorne's, her womanly resilience and relentless pursuit of justice starkly contrasting his deep-seated guilt and destructive tendencies.

Carol Baughman, who plays Thorne's naive wife Vicki, provides a curiously innocent contrast to the darker characters. Her involvement with Thorne adds yet another layer to the narrative, evoking both pitiful sympathy and stinging frustration.

Mondo Keyhole is undoubtedly an unconventional film, often provocative in its depiction of sexism and violence. This is where the movie’s raw and unfiltered narrative style comes alive, throwing open a curious window into the darker corners of human behavior. The gratuitous violence and unsettling scenes, while challenging to watch, underscore the film's powerful social commentary.

The film’s narrative also treads a fine line between the real and the surreal, with certain sequences characterized by dreamy, psychedelic overtones that blur the line between fantasy and reality. Besides, the grainy black-and-white cinematography adds an additional element of grittiness to the film, further enhancing the stark and often unnerving atmosphere.

Notably, it would also be wrong to confine this film strictly in the realm of exploitation cinema, as it surprisingly offers some sincere introspection into topics like morality, gender roles, and societal norms. These themes emerge from the film's darker undertones, acting as catalysts for contemplation and discussion.

As disturbing as the content may be, there's a pervasive sense of morality threading its way through the movie. It shines a spotlight on the exploitative nature of certain industries and the damaging effects they can have on both the exploited and the exploiters.

The performances, particularly by Nick Moriarty and Adele Rein, are persuasive and credible, lending even more authenticity to the film's raw and bold narrative style. The script and dialogue, while raw and unrefined at times, are consistent with the film's gritty atmosphere.

On the surface, Mondo Keyhole is a movie that presents a graphic depiction of the seedy underbelly of mid-60s American society. Still, on closer inspection, it reveals itself as a thought-provoking exploration of themes that continue to resonate today. The movie's honest, uncompromising approach to storytelling and its complex, distinctive characters offer something far more substantial than what meets the eye.

In conclusion, Mondo Keyhole is an intriguing, memorable, and occasionally perturbing artifact of 1960s exploitation cinema. While it may have its rough edges, and the content might not be palatable to all viewers, it is ultimately a film that deserves attention based on the boldness of its narrative and the relevance of the social commentary it offers. Its enduring impression rests on this ability to provoke thought and stimulate discussion, making it a unique, if overlooked, cinematic experience.