CA Filmmaker Introduced ‘Faces of Death’ to the World 46 Years Ago

In 1978, a film hit select theaters in the United States and shocked viewers to such an extent that it was eventually banned in several countries. Those who grew up in the seventies and eighties might remember owning a VHS copy of the film and watching it with friends, filled with a mix of intrigue and anxiety.

I vividly recall my older brother introducing me to “Faces of Death” when I was around ten or eleven years old. Horror movies weren’t off-limits in my household, so by the time I was in junior high, I had already seen classics like “Friday the 13th,” “Halloween,” “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “Nightmare on Elm Street,” and “Hellraiser.” But “Faces of Death,” which premiered on November 10, 1978, was unlike anything I had ever seen.

Directed by John A. Schwartz, a California film school graduate, “Faces of Death” has been recognized as one of the top 30 most controversial films of all time, according to Cine-Excess. Schwartz left a lasting imprint on American cinematic history, though he passed away in 2019 at the age of 66.

Even the trailer for “Faces of Death” can be disturbing, which is why I chose not to include it in this retrospective. In today’s world, films like “Terrifier” continue to push the boundaries of gore, but what sets “Faces of Death” apart is its use of real footage depicting human deaths. The visceral impact of these scenes makes the film challenging to watch. I recently found the movie on ROKU TV and managed to sit through about 30 minutes before deciding to turn it off.

“Faces of Death” has a unique place in the horror genre, primarily because it blends real and simulated death footage in a way that had never been done before, and arguably hasn’t been matched since. This innovative and controversial approach made the film an underground sensation, talked about in hushed tones and passed around among friends like a forbidden secret.

The legacy of “Faces of Death” endures, a testament to its ability to shock and provoke even decades after its release. While controversial, it remains a fascinating study in how far the boundaries of cinema can be pushed. The film continues to be a reference point for discussions about the limits of horror and the ethics of shock value in entertainment.

Source: Cine-Excess, ROKU TV