INFIERNO EN EL AMAZONAS

South American jungle adventure with Lisa Blount and Richard Lynch

Shot in the summer of 1984, this was helmed by the director of “Cannibal Holocaust” from five years prior. Wes Craven was originally attached to the production when its working title was “Marimba,” but by the time it was made he had zero input, not even a writing credit. The only ostensible holdover from his involvement might be the intimidating Michael Berryman with his peculiar bald look; he of course was the main antagonist of Craven's “The Hills Have Eyes.”

Don’t expect a sense of humor, such as in the later “Blind Fury” (which has similarities). This is serious and savage jungle adventure that emphasizes the risks of daring reporters & crew, as well as the illegal drug trade and warfare thereof. Moreover, there’s an interesting tie-in to the Jonestown massacre of November 18, 1978 (which took place in Guyana, not far east of the border of Venezuela). The locations are outstanding with numerous shots of the Venezuelan flat-top mountains called Tepuis (plural), not to mention jungle waterways and waterfalls.

It's one of the best films to enjoy the presence of Lisa Blount since she plays the protagonist. If you’re not familiar with her, she played the blonde girlfriend of David Keith’s character in “An Officer and a Gentleman” three years earlier. Also in the female department is brunette Valentina Forte as Ana. Deodato liked to focus the camera on her, if you know what I mean.

“Apocalypse Now” was obviously an influence with the inclusion of jungle mayhem, helicopters, dancing beauties, beheadings and mentally dubious misfits in the bush, but it lacks the brooding mood of that iconic film, as well as fleshed-out characters and interesting dialogues. That takes time and creative tweaking which this production didn’t have. Still, as a quick jungle adventure it delivers.

It runs 1 hour, 26 minutes, and was shot in Venezuela and Miami.

GRADE: B-