With an uncompromising dark tone, effectively depraved moments, and committed performances by its star trio, "Autostop Rosso Sangue" (American title: "Hitch-Hike") is a solid and compelling exploitation feature from co-writer / director Pasquale Festa Campanile. It's a story of three strong personalities coming together fatefully. Played out against some stunning rural vistas, it's got enough gore, sleaziness, and nudity to satisfy devotees of this genre.
Franco "Django" Nero plays a reporter named Walter Mancini who's going on a trip with his wife Eve (Corinne Clery of "Moonraker"). Walter only really married her because of her family's money but now he's gotten tired of her. Since they already don't get along too well, it only gets worse when hitchhiker Adam Konitz (the legendary Mr. David Hess) shows up. Eve gives him a ride basically just to annoy her husband, and Adam reveals himself to be - in true David Hess fashion - a demented, horny creep. Most of the rest of the movie shows what happens when Walter and Eve find that they can't get Adam out of their lives.
"Hitch-Hike" is potent stuff, with two motorcycle cops getting gunned down and a pivotal scene involving Adams' rape of Eve. The stunning Ms. Clery shows all of the goods in a couple of shots. The story hinges on the antagonistic relationship between these new acquaintances and how Adam is always at work manipulating and taunting Walter. Interestingly, it doesn't quite play out the way one would expect it to; it has some surprises up its sleeve, and it ends on a bleak, nihilistic note. The three stars are good together, with the film hitting its stride upon the introduction of the Adam character. It maintains a rather intimate feel, with not very many major players; even Adams' partners-in-crime don't end up with that much to do. The photography is gorgeous, the action exciting (there's a sequence reminiscent of "Duel" at one point), and the tension palpable. It's all set to an eclectic and striking soundtrack courtesy of the great Ennio Morricone.
Highly recommended to fans of the three leads.
Eight out of 10.
Franco "Django" Nero plays a reporter named Walter Mancini who's going on a trip with his wife Eve (Corinne Clery of "Moonraker"). Walter only really married her because of her family's money but now he's gotten tired of her. Since they already don't get along too well, it only gets worse when hitchhiker Adam Konitz (the legendary Mr. David Hess) shows up. Eve gives him a ride basically just to annoy her husband, and Adam reveals himself to be - in true David Hess fashion - a demented, horny creep. Most of the rest of the movie shows what happens when Walter and Eve find that they can't get Adam out of their lives.
"Hitch-Hike" is potent stuff, with two motorcycle cops getting gunned down and a pivotal scene involving Adams' rape of Eve. The stunning Ms. Clery shows all of the goods in a couple of shots. The story hinges on the antagonistic relationship between these new acquaintances and how Adam is always at work manipulating and taunting Walter. Interestingly, it doesn't quite play out the way one would expect it to; it has some surprises up its sleeve, and it ends on a bleak, nihilistic note. The three stars are good together, with the film hitting its stride upon the introduction of the Adam character. It maintains a rather intimate feel, with not very many major players; even Adams' partners-in-crime don't end up with that much to do. The photography is gorgeous, the action exciting (there's a sequence reminiscent of "Duel" at one point), and the tension palpable. It's all set to an eclectic and striking soundtrack courtesy of the great Ennio Morricone.
Highly recommended to fans of the three leads.
Eight out of 10.