RG
Roberto Giacomelli
•A sculptor, seized by a fit of jealousy, kills his woman and then hides her corpse inside a life-sized doll. During the delivery of a package, the delivery boy sees the doll and is struck by its incredible realism and the sensual charge it exudes; thus, intending to take possession of it, he kills the sculptor and takes the doll away. From this moment on, the container holding the girl's corpse will pass through the hands of many men, intent on taking possession of it to make her a sex toy, but all destined to a horrible end. Shameful product of poor craftsmanship that attempts to mix erotica with horror, descending into pseudo-pornographic scenes of an involuntary ridiculousness disarming. The starting story could have been acceptable (a killer inflatable doll is a picturesque and amusing figure), but the development and execution are of poor levels: the screenplay is repetitive (the doll passing from one owner to another, this one tries to copulate with her but is killed) and sometimes confusing, due to too many characters (naturally all caricatures without a shred of personality) who appear and disappear suddenly; moreover, it manages to evoke a deep sense of boredom, despite the ridiculous duration of the film (only 75 minutes). The direction, by the debutant Adam Sherman, is devoid of any technique; the actors are of a unique mediocrity, starting with the beautiful protagonist Romi Koch who plays the doll, surely perfect for the role, given the plasticized expressiveness of her face. The only positive point is found in the soundtrack, quite suggestive, although in the long run rather repetitive. Then, it is worth noting the complete absence of gore scenes or, in general, disturbing ones, which would have surely benefited a film of this kind, considering the themes addressed (necrophilia and sexual drive). As mentioned, "Dead doll" manages in several points to descend into the involuntary ridiculous both because of stupid and redundant dialogues (excessive use is made of the verb "to fuck", in the reproductive exception of the term), and for the pseudo-comic scenes that show us the attempts to copulate with the doll by the various characters (male and female). It is incredible how this film had even a theatrical release, albeit very limited and reserved for the summer period, while other films of a completely different caliber are relegated exclusively to the home video market. In conclusion, "Dead doll" is a horror-erotic mess that neither scares or disgusts, nor appears sexy, but only boring and ridiculous. To be avoided without hesitation.