Play Motel

Play Motel is a gripping and provocative Italian giallo mystery film directed by Mario Gariazzo in 1979. It features a stellar cast with Ray Lovelock, Anna Maria Rizzoli and Mario Cutini taking on the leading roles. The film is spoken in its original Italian language but has been subtitled and dubbed in various languages to cater to a broad audience worldwide. Featuring a complicated web of crime, corruption, mystery, and sensuality, Play Motel will make you question your perception of innocence and guilt.

Ray Lovelock, in one of the most remarkable performances of his career, brings to life the character of Riza. He’s tasked with solving the tangled mysteries surrounding a motel that’s not as innocent as it looks. Often braving danger and teetering on the brink of lawlessness, Riza unearths the motel's dark undertones and must navigate an unexpected landscape fraught with intrigue and danger. The role is portrayed by Lovelock with persuasive charm and intensity, highlighting his ability to solidify complex characters.

Anna Maria Rizzoli, a celebrated Italian actress, plays the pivotal role of Patricia. She’s a stunning and seemingly upright woman who gets entangled in the motel's tumultuous affairs. Rizzoli masters the art of playing this character by combining innocence with sensuality, naivety with intelligence, and courage with frailty. This inceptive role showcases Rizzoli's exceptional acting range and her ability to depict a multi-dimensional role.

The plot of Play Motel centers around a small motel on the outskirts of Rome that, at first glance, appears ordinary. However, this supposedly common establishment hides dark secrets. This is not just any motel, but rather, a gathering point for upstanding citizens who wish to indulge in secret, lustful escapades. However, what was once a hidden sanctuary quickly becomes a nightmare when some of these liaisons result in horrific murders. As the death count rises, the harsh reality that the motel is being used as a murderous hunting ground becomes all too clear.

Ray Lovelock's Riza is brought in to untangle the web of crimes that are taking place. As he delves deeper into his investigation, he uncovers a layer of corruption that is intertwined with sin, setting the stage for a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The film does an excellent job of combining the Italian Giallo genre's classic elements - intense drama, twisted plotlines, vivid colors, and heightened suspense – and expertly throws in a liberal sprinkling of tantalizing intrigue.

Mario Cutini, another key character in the movie, plays a mysterious figure whose path crosses with Riza and Patricia. His performance adds a compelling layer to the narrative, ultimately helping to maintain the suspense throughout the movie.

Play Motel is distinct in its theme and storyline as it attempts to show how a seemingly innocent place can be a cover-up for complex criminal operations. It takes viewers deep into a maze of passion, betrayal, lust, and murder, presenting a gritty, realistic portrait of human debauchery and corruption, fearlessly peeling back the layers of an insidious underworld.

The potent combination of suspense, mystery, and sensuality makes this film a tantalizing treat for lovers of the Giallo genre. It's a gritty, gripping exploration of the underbelly of society, highlighting the fact that evil can sometimes be hidden in the simplest places.

The film’s music is expertly matched with the cinematography and plot-lines, adding to the suspense and tension while providing a thematic backdrop for the overall narrative. Adding to the allure of the movie is its skillful execution, with Gariazzo showcasing his flair for atmospheric pressure and captivating storytelling, making viewers hold their breath for what's coming next.

In summary, Play Motel is, no doubt, a thrilling cinematic experience bringing together the dynamics of lustful secrecy, brutal killings, and intense suspense. The stellar cast, exceptional storyline, and impressive directorial prowess make it a must-watch for anyone craving a 70s style Italian Giallo thriller. While certainly not for the faint-hearted, those who seek an intense exploration of crime, corruption, mystery, and eroticism will find this film a captivating watch.