“The art of debauchery: Orgies in the film ‘Salo, or the 120 days of Sodom'”

“Salò, or the 120 days of Sodom” (Italian: “Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma”) is a film directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, released in 1975. It is based on the book of the same name by the Marquis de Sade and takes the action to Italy during the Second World War. The film is notable for its frankness and brutality, and is considered by many to be one of the most shocking films in cinematic history.

This film was the last and most scandalous work of Pasolini, released after the tragic death of the director.

Pasolini moves the action to 1944-45, to the fascist “Republic of Salo” in northern Italy, where a group of people from high society, led by a prince, humiliates, mocks, torments, tortures young men and women gathered to please the perverted elite, who feel their death. This execution lasts four months. For adults, this is the last opportunity to satisfy their baser instincts; for young people, it is a reckoning for their youth and desire to live. As you know, “Salo or the 120 Days of Sodom” caused a huge scandal not only in Italy, but also in Europe. Most cinemas refused to release the film, citing the presence of sadomasochistic scenes in the film.

Orgies in the film, meaning and symbolism

Orgies in the film “Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom” play a significant role and carry deep symbolism that surpasses simple shock. Pier Paolo Pasolini uses these scenes to convey several important ideas and critiques of modern society.

The orgies in the film symbolize the absolute power and control of the fascists over their victims. They demonstrate how power can be used to dehumanize and completely subjugate. Young people are deprived of their freedom and forced to participate in these acts of violence and humiliation. Pasolini clearly condemns the fascist regime, presenting it as the embodiment of extreme cruelty and inhumanity.

They serve as a metaphor for fascist ideology, which seeks to control and destroy individual personality. People in orgy scenes are depicted as objects devoid of dignity and humanity. This shows how fascism and other totalitarian regimes view people as means to achieve their ends.

Orgies in the film are presented as an extreme degree of moral corruption and perversion. Pasolini explores how those in power can lose all moral and ethical standards, indulging in their darkest desires and fantasies. It reveals the limits of human freedom and will, demonstrating how they can be destroyed under conditions of extreme violence and suppression.

Thus, the orgies in Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom not only shock the viewer with their brutality, but also represent a profound analysis and criticism of power, morality and human nature in conditions of extreme violence.

Plot:

The scene opens with a shocking kidnapping of young men from the streets, herding them into cars without explanation, like cattle. It subsequently turns out that important and seemingly educated officials are ransoming these young people from the criminals. Each girl and guy undergoes a strict selection process, where their education, physical condition and even psychological stability become the subject of attention. Dignitaries discuss their qualities and shortcomings, as if evaluating goods on the market.

The action moves to a luxurious villa, where former street thugs perform in front of guests in military uniform with machine guns, playing the role of guards.

Act I: Ante-inferno

For decent children caught in this nightmare, it becomes clear that something terrible awaits them. One of them dies trying to escape, and the other girl, having lost hope, commits suicide. Officials proclaim themselves to be teachers, and the children of the elite are toys in their hands. Street hooligans become assistants to officials or their tools.

For the “offspring” of the elite, a real nightmare begins: new rules of life and moral guidelines are dictated to them. They learn that everything that previously seemed unacceptable to them is now considered normal. These new “laws of life” come from the maxim: “Everything that is excessive is good!”

You are weak creatures meant for our pleasure Don’t expect to find here the freedom granted in the outside world You are outlawed No one knows that you are here To the outside world You are already dead But the laws that will govern your lives are in place At six in the afternoon the whole company will gather in the “Orgy Hall” … … where our storytellers … … will tell us stories, each with its own specific theme We have the right to interrupt them at any time The purpose of the stories is to arouse lust, everything will be resolved After dinner, we will hold so-called orgies. The large hall will be warmed up. Participants, accordingly, will be prepared… … lying on the floor, like animals… they will all be engaged in… criminal, incestuous and homosexual copulation.

“..”

Any person who engages in vaginal intercourse with a woman… … will be punished by the loss of a member. Any religious act will be punishable by… … death

Act II: Circle of Mania

The second act focuses on the stories of the first woman, Madame Castel. She shares her stories of sexual perversions and fantasies that she experienced in her youth. These stories inspire fascists to repeat similar acts on their victims. Young people are subjected to sexual violence, humiliation and physical torture.

I’ll show you something you’ve never seen.” I followed him into the room. He pulled his huge dick out of his pants and started masturbating. “Have you ever seen anything like this? I showed this to your sister and girls your age. Give me your hand and cause the eruption of the sperm from which we are all created. I’ll blow it on your face. This is my only passion, my child… … and you will look at it.” At that very moment… … I was splashed with a white stream that wet me all over.

Act III: Circle of Shit

The third part of the film is presented by the same prostitute of the second woman, Mrs. Maltevi, who talks about her experiences with coprophilia and other disgusting acts. The fascists begin to introduce these elements into their cruel games, forcing victims to eat excrement and participate in humiliating acts.

I was nine when my sister brought me to Milan to Signora Calzetti She examined me and asked if I wanted to work for her I said yes, if the pay was good My first client, named Vaccari, examined me carefully I immediately showed him my pussy, which I thought was special. He closed his eyes and said: I’m not interested in your vagina, close it. He laid me down, covered me… and said: “All these little whores think they have to show off their vaginas. Now I will rid you of this disgusting delusion” He wrapped me in a sheet, like a mummy… leaving only my ass uncovered He caressed it gently, opening and closing the anus… began to passionately lick it Then he carefully… … placed his dick between my buttocks and his movements became frantic “What a delicious ass, sweet little asshole. Now I will lubricate it “He said this three or four times. I never saw him again.

Act IV: Circle of Blood

The last part of the film is based on the stories of the third woman, Mrs. Maggi. She describes scenes of extreme violence and torture. In this part, the fascists move on to more brutal and deadly torture, including torture with fire, knives and other instruments. The film ends with scenes of extreme violence and murder of the victims.

He has a house near Milan, which he uses exclusively for pleasure. At his parties, there are at least fifteen girls… … ranging in age from fifteen to seventeen. They are specially selected and must appear completely naked.

“..”

In the basement, a masked executioner with the devil’s emblem… … controls terrible machines. After all the girls end up in the basement, our hero… is very excited, because after fucking many he never came. A huge penis protrudes from his naked body. All the machines start working… all the torture begins at once, with a terrifying loud screeching sound. The first device is a huge wheel with blades, to which a girl is tied, and she is being skinned alive. Another girl had a live rat inserted into her vagina. Oh God, why did you leave us? A reasonable person… … is not satisfied with just killing. He commits murder in an elegant manner.

Final scenes

The film ends with the Nazis watching the torture and murder through binoculars, remaining indifferent and cold-blooded. Scenes of violence are accompanied by the sounds of music and dancing, which emphasizes the absurdity and inhumanity of what is happening. In the final scene, two young soldiers dance as if nothing had happened, showing complete indifference to the suffering of the victims.

Result:

The film “Salo, or the 120 days of Sodom” is a cruel and shocking allegory that reveals the nature of power, degradation and human cruelty. The young people, victims of the perverted and sadistic games of the nobles, represent the embodiment of innocence and the natural desire for life and freedom. Their torment and suffering show the extent to which powerful and inhuman individuals can use their power to satisfy their perverted desires and demonstrate their superiority. As a result, the film leaves the viewer with a feeling of deep anxiety and reflections on the dark sides of human nature and the boundlessness of sadism, when the lives of others are seen only as a means to achieve one’s own goals and lustful desires.