FILM 2348: THE HONEYMOON KILLERS (1970)

TRIVIA: Originally to be directed by Martin Scorsese, but he was replaced after a week of shooting due to creative differences by Donald Volkman who was subsequently replaced by Leonard Kastle. Scorsese was fired because he was filming every scene in master shots and not shooting close-ups or other coverage, making the film impossible to edit. According to Kastle's interview with the Criterion collection, the ultimate moment that caused Scorsese's firing was trying to get close-up on a beer can lit perfectly for the intended tone.

Director François Truffaut called this his favorite American film.

The film was banned in Australia in 1971. It was deemed "obscene" by the Australian censorship boards and was re-submitted for release in 1972 after the introduction of Australia's R 18 rating, but was again banned for "violence and indecency". This is notable due to the fact that there is only one real scene of violence in the entire film. The film was finally passed in October 1989 with just an M 15 rating and home video releases proudly display the "Banned" disclaimer on the front cover. A DVD release in the early 2000s would also advertise the fact that the film had been banned.

This film is part of the Criterion Collection, spine #200.

ONE SENTENCE REVIEW: Despite only one scene of real violence this film is quite hard to watch purely because of the ruthless and heartless nature of these characters and the fact that they’re based on real people.

This is featured on the podcast I Saw What You Did episode Esteemed Dirtbags.