Obscure but reasonably solid exploitation effort from the early 70's with a plot and character drawings that actually qualify as disturbing. Undeniably influenced by a number of gritty contemporary survivalist- thrillers, such as for example "Deliverance" and "Straw Dogs", the film narrates the compelling plot about three seemingly ideal and loving family men and their rather unusual annual tradition. Once a year Ken, Greg and Art – three college football buddies and Vietnam veterans – go on a "camping trip"; basically only to do all the nasty stuff their wives and fellow community members would never see them capable of doing. We're talking rape, kidnapping, humiliation, vandalism, extortion and a virulent game of hunting-humans. In the opening sequences already, some college accused the trio of gang-rape, but the school principal made it clear to the girl's mother that the reputation of the trio is stainless and undisputed. During this year's trip, they abducted an adulterous couple and got rid of their car. The unsuspecting victims are subsequently taken to an island in the middle of giant lake, toyed with for some more time, and then 'released' for the hunt. Although influenced by the aforementioned backwoods-survivalist thrillers, "Open Season" is primarily another re-working of the classic and legendary film "The Most Dangerous Game". It's a tense and disturbing film, for sure, but I'm under the impression that it could have been even better. The middle section is slow and even somewhat dull, only because director Peter Collinson insists on emphasizing the anxiety and troublesome position of the hostages. There's also quite a lot of pointless footage of the three anti-heroes boozing and hunting, apparently just to state clear once more that they're mean and ruthless guys. Okay, we get it now! Luckily enough, the wholesome is saved by the virulent climax (hooray for William Holden, as he shows up as one of the previous victims' father out for revenge) and the outstanding acting performances from the entire cast. Peter Fonda, John Phillip Law, Richard Lynch, Alberto de Mendoza and William Holden together in one and the same film makes it absolute priority viewing for every self-respecting cult cinema fanatic.
Review of Open Season
