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Killer Nun (1979)
Arrow Video
Blu-ray Disc Released: 10/15/2019
All Ratings out of
Movie:
Video:
Audio:
Extras:
Review by Mike Long, Posted on 10/18/2019
Given the proliferation and accessibility of movies these days, there are
probably plenty of people who think of themselves as movie experts.
However, the truth of the matter is that they are most likely plenty of
movies and sub-genres out there of which the average film-fan has no knowledge.
For example, are you familiar with “Nunsploitation”?
This is a sub-genre of movies in which nuns do inappropriate things.
Yes, this is a real thing.
The movement gained notoriety in the 1970s with a series of movies from Italy.
And while there are several entries into this division, it never really
took off. Still, some titles still
make their way to home video, such as 1979’s Killer Nun.
Anita Ekberg stars in Killer Nun as Sister Gertrude, a devoted woman who
spends her days working in hospital alongside her fellow nuns and Dr. Poirret
(Massimo Serato). Sister Gertrude
is known of being harsh, but she knows the patients (who seem to live in the
hospital) well and seems to truly care.
However, she has being going through some rough times recently following
an operation in which a tumor was removed.
Gertrude insists that she hasn’t fully recovered, but Dr. Poirret doesn’t
take her seriously. Therefore, her
behavior becomes more and more erratic and she begins to turn away from her holy
vows. When violence erupts in the
hospital, Gertrude’s odd behavior makes her a prime suspect.
I guess the term “Nunsploitation” is a pretty broad one, but it does set up
certain expectations in the viewer, especially if one has seen other movies
which would fall under this umbrella.
Having said that, I was expecting something called Killer Nun to
be a little more “Nunsploitationesque”.
Granted, this is not a Disney film.
It has nudity, violence, and some dark elements, but it’s somewhat tame
when compared to its brethren in the sub-genre.
In terms of graphic content, this falls in line with other Europen
(especially Italian) films from this time period.
It’s got a certain level of sleaze, but this is no “Video Nasty”.
So, then what is Killer Nun?
That’s an interesting question, as the film’s tone is all over the place.
At the outset, it plays like a drama, as we meet Sister Gertrude and
learn of her situation. We watch
her struggle on the job and see how those around her react.
Then, the more traditional “Nunsploitation” aspects arrive, as sex and
drugs become involved in the story.
But, then, in the second half, Killer Nun suddenly becomes a giallo.
A murder occurs in the treatment center and the story then introduces
mystery elements and all clues point at Gertrude.
The movie retains a serious tone throughout and it almost plays like a
hospital drama at times, as the characters hide secrets and stab one another in
the back.
All of this raises the question, at whom is Killer Nun aimed?
Director
Giulio
Berruti only helmed one other movie during his career (he has several credits as
an editor) and he delivers a conundrum with this one.
Again, there are some salacious things here, but those who are looking
for edge of the envelope thrills will be disappointed.
The film has some giallo elements, but it doesn’t take this turn until
the second half and it feels like more of an afterthought.
Gertrude is a complex character, so much so that it gives the impression
that she’s in a different movie.
Killer Nun is far from being a bad movie, but it’s certain a challenging
one. There are some nice moments
here, but many viewers may come away feeling short-changed.
The Killer Nun Blu-ray Disc contains several extra features.
We begin with an AUDIO COMMENTARY from Adrian J. Smith and David Flint.
“Beyond Convent Walls” (29 minutes) has author Kat Ellinger discussing
Killer Nun and giving an overview of the “Nunsploitation” sub-genre.
This includes clips and posters from other movies, as well as a
historical perspective on the portrayal of nuns in culture.
“Our Mother of Hell” (52 minutes) offers an interview with Director
Giulio Berruti where he gives details on his career and work on other films, but
focuses mainly on Killer Nun.
We hear from Editor Mario Giaaco and learn of his work on the film in
“Cut & Noise” (21 minutes). “Starry
Eyes” (24 minutes) allows actress Ileana Fraja to talk about how she got into
acting. The extras are rounded out
by two TRAILERS and an IMAGE GALLERY.
The Blu-ray Disc contains two cuts of the film, the “Italian Version” and
the “English Version”. Aside from
the language difference, the “Italian Version” runs about 2 minutes longer.