BLOW JOB (1980)

 

Written, Directed & Edited By: Alberto Cavallone

Cinematography: Maurizio Centini

Cast: Danilo Micheli, Andrea Massarelli, Anna Bruna Cazzato, Mirella Venturini, Valerio Isidori, Antonio Mea, Alea Armani

Stefano Vicinelli and his girlfriend Diana fall two weeks behind on their hotel rent and face having their luggage and car impounded until they can pay the bill. Conveniently for them, a distraught woman in the room right above theirs leaps to her death from the window. Using that as a distraction, the lovebirds sneak out and take off. Running low on money, they pool what little cash they do have and go to the racetrack. Stefano encounters a crazed woman wearing sunglasses who demands he give her a key so she can unlock a door. After she calms down, she proposes a deal with him: She'll help him win money in the horse race if he'll help her "get past the gate." Having no clue what she's even talking about, Stefano reluctantly agrees and bets on her suggestion. After the horse wins and he collects, he feels obliged to accompany the strange woman - who introduces herself as Countess Angela - back to her home.

The film has a misleading title that seems used to get an audience interested. Sure, it’s an erotic movie that doesn’t actually show or revolve around the sexual act in particular. It hints at the act once. 

Though it is more like a softcore erotic movie with a supernatural plot that isn’t too convoluted but leads to erotic interludes. So that it literally feels like a porno with a plot and professional production values. That never goes in the direction of being a full hardcore adult film, but also barely has any direction. 

As it never quite comes across as a believable supernatural thriller either. Though the eroticism is the only thing that makes the film entertaining 

Strangely enough, the film takes itself too seriously instead of going full steam into a more cultural exploitation experience. 

There is of course plenty of nudity as well as softcore sex of all kinds, with a love story thrown in. The film feels heavily edited to make sure the action doesn’t go too far into more hardcore territory. 

The film's plot really makes no sense. Though the movie tries to hypnotize the audience with surreal imagery. That feels more like arthouse pretensions with hippie philosophy and astrology thrown in for plenty of ceremonies. 

No the grade isn't because it doesn't live up to the title, but at least if the filmmakers had just decided to go with more an out and out pornographic movie. Maybe the audience wouldn't;t have been so let down by a title that seems more meant to shock, but ultimately becomes more a gimmick

Grade: F