Eaten Alive | 1980 | Italy | Umberto Lenzi

Before he released Cannibal Ferox, Umberto Lenzi returned early to cannibal territory in the same year as Deodato’s Holocaust with Eaten Alive, a curious mix of the usual cannibal staples with the cult-like personality of Jim Jones. Sheila becomes concerned for her sister Diana’s safety when a reel of film is found, showing her as part of a jungle cult led by the charismatic Jonas. Teaming up with mercenary Mark, the pair head deep into the nature of New Guinea to find Diana, only to encounter the bewitching influence of Jonas, Sheila and Diana’s vulnerability to his charms and a native tribe of cannibals who are constantly at odds with the cult. Lenzi’s film takes a lot of inspiration from other sources, but quite literally cannibalises scenes from other Italian genre films like Prisoner of the Cannibal God, Cannibal and his own Deep River Savages as well. The reuse of animal slaughter and graphic scenes of flesh-eating meant it fell victim to the DPP’s objections.