Turkey Shoot

Turkey Shoot, directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith in 1982, is a dystopian drama that emphasis on a cruel game played by the society's elites, where human beings are the preys in an exploitative and brutal turkey shoot. Set against an oppressive future society, the movie stars well-recognized actors such as Steve Railsback, Olivia Hussey, and Michael Craig adding weight to the mischievous story.

The story takes place in a not-so-distant traumatic future where the society has been overtaken by a totalitarian regime. This dystopian society categorizes its citizen based on their obedience. Citizens who are seen as deviating from societal norms or showing any signs of dissent are labeled as 'social deviants' and are sent to correctional facilities for indoctrination and hard labor. The protagonist Paul (played by Steve Railsback) and Chris (Olivia Hussey) find themselves caught in these dire circumstances, sharing their bleak existence with other 'social deviants' in a brutal reeducation camp.

The movie takes an interesting turn when the camp's sadistic commandant, Thatcher, played by Michael Craig, introduces an annual game for the high ranking officials and elites of this oppressive society. This reality TV-esq game provides a reprehensible form of entertainment. The game - a deadly hunting spree in the form of a 'turkey shoot' or 'human safari' - is crafted for their perverse pleasure by using the social deviants as human targets.

Paul, Chris, and a few others are hence chosen as prey for this savage hunt, to be pursued by Thatcher and his high-society accomplices for the thrill of the chase, the perverse pleasure, and ultimately for the satisfaction of their bloodlust. The elaborate game of cat and mouse that ensues is what propels the narrative of Turkey Shoot.

The film exploits the horrific game narrative with great focus on the survival instinct of the characters. The 'deviants' are not laid down weaklings, they fight their way strategically trying to outlive their pursuers. The thrill of the chase and the intense survival drama gives the movie a gripping edge.

Steve Railsback, a Texas-born actor who had etched his name in cinema history as Charles Manson in the TV Film Helter Skelter, delivers an energized performance as Paul. Olivia Hussey, famous for her roles in Romeo and Juliet and Death on the Nile, adds depth to the narrative as a strong female protagonist with her persuasive portrayal of Chris. Michael Craig, a famed British-Australian actor, brilliantly depicts the role of the villainous commandant with his menacing demeanor.

With elements of a prison drama, an action thriller, and a dystopian science fiction film, Turkey Shoot sketches a dark, grim vision of the future where human life is cheap, and the will to survive is the only morality. The cinematography adds a chilling realism to the movie, with shots that emphasize the characters' fear, desperation, and fierce determination in the face of impending doom.

While the gore and relentless violence in Turkey Shoot might be too much for some viewers, it's all in service of an allegory that ultimately criticizes the exploitative behavior of the ruling classes in society. The brutal game in the movie is a fitting symbol for this theme, as it presents the elites' indifference to the value of human life and their twisted moral compass.

Underneath the violence and explicit imagery, Turkey Shoot also explores deeper themes such as human dignity, equality, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. This movie serves as a cautionary tale against the harsh realities of an oppressive dystopian regime, unbridled corruption, and unchecked lust for power.

All in all, Turkey Shoot stands as a raw exploitative cult classic, a bizarrely captivating dystopian saga. It is not just a movie. It's an intense, shocking ride, one that's equal parts fascinating and horrifying, offering a potent critique of a society obsessed with power and entertainment at the expense of humanity. It's an unforgettable cinematic experience, designed to provoke thought and incite a visceral reaction.