Orgasmo

Orgasmo is a gripping Italian-made psychological thriller from the late sixties that brings together the talents of Carroll Baker, Lou Castel, and Colette Descombes. Delving into the elements of suspense, deceit, and unexpected twists, the movie was released in 1969 under the direction of Umberto Lenzi, famous for his works in the giallo and horror genres. Although it was released during a period when Lenzi mostly worked on war and peplum films, Orgasmo marked the start of his ventures into giallo and crime fiction.

The opening scene of the movie presents us with a woman named Kathryn West (performed by Carroll Baker), a wealthy American widow staying in Italy to distance herself from the painful memories of her late husband. However, her peace is disrupted following a seemingly innocent encounter.

The movie takes a gripping turn when Kathryn opens her door to find an allegedly stranded young man seeking help. Lou Castel, known for his nuanced performances, portrays this apparent stranger, Peter Donovan. What starts with an enthusiastic conversation and a drink soon builds into sexual tension and bed-sharing, setting the tone for events that Kathryn could never have anticipated when she first opened her door.

Colette Descombes introduces another layer of intrigue in the movie by playing Eva, Peter's sister. Their relationship is eccentric and coated with subtle hints of sinister intentions that keep the audience guessing about what precisely their game is. Peter and Eva's arrival triggers a series of events that make Kathryn question everything around her.

The storyline of Orgasmo explores themes like manipulation, isolation, greed, lust, and the pure human instinct of survival when entrapped in menacing circumstances. It observes how one's sanity can be manipulated when they are surrounded by greed and deception that paints everyone unreliable around them. Through the narrative, it also digs deep into the human psyche, illuminating how easily people can be immersed in a world of fantasy, oblivious to the lurking dangers.

Orgasmo is Baker and Lenzi's first movie together in a three-part series, followed by Paranoia and A Quiet Place to Kill. The film showcases Baker's talent at her best, transitioning from a vulnerable and distressed widow slowly drawn into a whirl of deceit and manipulation, peeling layers of her character one by one. Baker's earnest portrayal of an emotionally vulnerable woman deceived by greed and malicious intents by those she trusts makes for a fascinating watch.

Lou Castel perfectly fits his character's confusing dual persona – with a charming surface that veils a deeply unsettling interior. His performance beautifully balances the sinister and seductive aspects of his character, ensuring that his true motives are shrouded in ominous mystique.

Colette Descombes, as Eva, delivers a captivating performance that brings out the intriguing and thrilling nature of her role in this deceitful play. The webs she weaves around Kathryn keep the audience engaged, and her part in the unpredictable plot turns makes for thrilling viewing.

The film's strength lies in both its strong performances and its slow-paced narrative, which sharpens the suspense to an almost unbearable degree. The audience watches as the characters plunge themselves deeper into the gloom and doom of their darkest motivations, set against the backdrop of a beautiful Italian villa, that contrast between environment and events creating a disconcerting sense of paradox.

Orgasmo, therefore, offers a plunge into a world of disturbing alliances and sinister manipulations, weaving a mesmerizing tale of deception and suspense told through outstanding performances, mysterious characters, and intense, sensual undertones. Combined with Lenzi's effective use of aesthetic cinematography and an melodramatic score, Orgasmo effortlessly engages the viewers into the dark, convoluted world it takes place in.