Watch The Defilers: Classic Thriller
- NR
- 2016
- 1 hr 8 min
The Defilers is a classic thriller from 1965 directed by Lee Frost. It is a film that explores the dark depths of human nature and the lure of power and control. The movie begins with two friends, Carl and Jameison, driving around the city and getting into mischief. They are two young, wealthy men who seem bored with their privileged lives and yearn for something more exciting. They come across a beautiful young woman named Sandy, who is hitchhiking on the side of the road. The two men offer her a ride and she accepts.
It soon becomes clear that the two men have ill intentions towards Sandy. They take her to an abandoned warehouse and proceed to humiliate her in the most degrading ways possible. The film does not shy away from showing the brutality of the assault and the sheer terror that Sandy experiences.
The rest of the movie follows the aftermath of the assault and the psychological scars that it leaves on all three characters. Sandy is haunted by the memories of the attack and struggles to come to terms with what happened to her. She is a victim of a society that does not value women and treats them as commodities to be used and discarded.
Carl and Jameison, on the other hand, are portrayed as the archetypal villains who derive pleasure from the suffering of others. They are the embodiment of toxic masculinity and the entitlement that comes with wealth and privilege. They are not only guilty of the attack on Sandy but also of the lack of empathy that they display towards her and her suffering.
The film is shot in black and white, which adds to the gritty and bleak atmosphere of the movie. The cinematography is excellent, with clever use of shadows and close-ups to create a sense of claustrophobia and unease. The music is minimal but effective, with haunting piano melodies that add to the melancholic mood of the movie.
The Defilers is a movie that has stood the test of time and remains relevant today. It is a sobering reminder of the pervasive nature of sexual violence and the trauma that it leaves behind. It does not try to give easy answers or a sense of closure but instead shows the messy and complex aftermath of such an assault.
The film is not without its flaws. Some of the dialogue is clunky and outdated. The pacing is slow at times, and the story does not offer much in terms of redemption or justice. However, these flaws are overshadowed by the film's raw and unflinching portrayal of sexual assault and its impact on the victims.
In conclusion, The Defilers is a classic thriller that is not for the faint-hearted. It is a harrowing exploration of the darkest aspects of human nature and offers a sobering commentary on society's treatment of women. It is a film that stays with you long after the credits have rolled, a testament to its power and impact.