I Spit On Your Grave aka Day of the Woman
I Spit on Your Grave or Day of the Woman is well known in the horror/cult film world as a rough ride and rightfully so. I’ll say it again for those fresh readers of my blogs, this type of movie ain’t my speed and I don’t normally watch such graphic and terrible films. I use “terrible” here not as a review but regarding the subject matter. I enjoy the fantastic more than the realistic. Unfortunately, and we’ll talk more in-depth later, things like the ones presented in I Spit on Your Grave really happen. It’s “realistic” movies like this that trouble me. For me, I like to live in a world where evil isn’t real and bad things never happen while being aware that I’m wrong. Never mind my philosophy, let’s jump into the time machine and revisit this nightmare which is commonly known as Day of the Woman.
Actual Seclusion Really Existed in 1978
The time machine sets us down in 1978. You could actually go somewhere and have seclusion in 1978. Find a “secluded” cabin now and you see a flat of townhouses 10 feet apart from your back deck or hear the music of a highway while you sleep. This is not my definition of seclusion. Our heroine finds herself in a truly secluded place and does so on purpose. She hopes for creative inspiration. However, her being alone works to her disadvantage as she is aggressively taken advantage of by a local group of 4 men who soon become the victims in probably the most graphic revenge tale I’ve ever watched. There’s the plot of I Spit On Your Grave in a very general and polite presentation.
Surprise, Surprise! I Spit On Your Grave Was Not Well Received
I Spit on Your Grave was not well received in 1978 and still meets a lot of criticism today. I’ve not found many articles that clearly state this but, based on the way my parents felt about Friday the 13th in the ‘80s, I can only imagine how people felt about I Spit on Your Grave. Speaking of Friday the 13th, I would like to note that Sean Cunningham was influenced by I Spit on Your Grave and there are some similarities between these two films. For instance, they both happen in seclusion around a lake, there is a revenge plot, and there is a series of murders. Anyway, the graphic nature of what happens in this movie and the fact that it’s not hidden I’m sure offended a lot of people in the ‘70s. Today, this is almost a regular run-of-the-mill movie.
Time Machine Has Landed Y'all! I Spit On Your Grave from 1978
Our time machine is on the ground so, let’s talk about what we see. The cabin that this movie was filmed in is in Connecticut and the countryside around it is gorgeous. From the looks of Google Maps, this location still seems remote which is surprising. Look for yourself – the address is 24 Birch Hill Ln. Kent, Ct. 06757. It’s on a body of water so there is period swimwear and long hair. Clothing comes along with the everyday stuff and there’s a white gown that caught my attention. About the Interior decorating – the floor is red, and the walls are black. Period furniture decorates the living room, and it fits so well. I think what I like is that this cabin doesn’t seem to have been professionally decorated. It’s as if it’s an everyday dwelling for someone and not a movie set.
Driving down the road, we also see a small local gas station. This filling station is also located in Connecticut. In the movie it has older gas pumps that are iconic now with faded paint and no roof over them. Attached is a small grocery store that makes house deliveries. This of course contributes to our heroine’s troubles but, they offer this service, nonetheless. Along with the service comes a bicycle with a basket and the old brown paper sacks. I don’t know why, but these always stand out to me. It’s Walmart bags and curbside delivery now. Of course, DoorDash and other services deliver groceries. I wonder if any similar tales to the one in I Spit on Your Grave have really occurred to these drivers yet?
Fantasy in Day of The Woman aka I Spit On Your Grave
As I warned, let’s talk about the fantastic in I Spit on Your Grave. Fantasy is part of this movie in several ways but, the one scene that stood out to me was when the main character hoists a man up on a noose by herself. I’m not sure that I’m buying that a 110lb lady could do this. I also find it concerning that Camille Keaton’s character would have let people go after holding them at gunpoint and survived. Further, her would have been victim the plans to have relations with her again. The ringleader of the aggressors clearly had one thing on his mind and perhaps if it drove him to do what he did, it would lead him to be this foolish again. Reality, in my opinion, would have been the end of the movie here because he would have killed the heroine.
Drop A Needle On Some Vinyl and Relax to the Sounds of Revenge
Now, that same ringleader is on the receiving end of something that I did find very realistic. As he rests in the bathtub and meets the sharp edge of a knife, the bleeding to death is spot on. It’s in this scene where I really felt like it was clear that this band of thieves had unlocked a psychopath in our lead role. She’s not playing any more games and you can see the lack of concern as the victim locked in an upstairs bathroom to bleed to death begs for his life. A needle is dropped on a vinyl record, and she reclines in a chair while she listens and enjoys the sounds of bloody revenge. With an unlocked and perhaps justified psychopath 2 murders into her 4-person revenge plot, let’s move on to the most disturbing piece of reality presented in I Spit On Your Grave.
Reality Is Why I Don't Enjoy Movies Like This
Reality is why I choose to not watch a lot of these types of movies – because what happens in I Spit On Your Grave happens to people every day. People prey on other people and take advantage of them. Not only do people take advantage of women but also those with mental disabilities who can’t reason for themselves. We see the crew do this with the Matthew character. Children who want acceptance are bullied and peer pressured into all shades of evil. Another unfortunate reality is that all of this was her fault according to the ringleader. I don’t agree with this statement as it was stated but, we do often put ourselves in positions for bad things to happen to us. Criminals are clear that they spot a victim a mile away. Watch a YouTube video to illustrate this better here.
Evening Has Come and Day of the Woman Has Drawn to a Close
The closing credits were one of my favorite parts. Not because the ultra-violent revenge rollercoaster ride of a lifetime was over but because the credits rolled over running film. This is so artistic, and it reminded me of the only good part of Microwave Massacre, the opening sequence playing over the girl walking. You can read my blog on this terrible movie here. When it comes to cult classic dark American movies, you can’t beat I Spit On Your Grave with a stick. Being the somewhat film guy I am, I can see why this has a cult following and I can see why people hate it too. Invisible Katana Artwork has put the last 2 hours of time into this one I will but, I do expect to do some fan art. Keep your eyes on my page for it – it’s coming…eventually.
If you have opinions on this movie good or bad, leave them in the comments. Has anyone out there ever stayed in this cabin? I made stabs, no pun intended, but is it VRBO or one of the others? Here are a couple of links to reference for I Spit On Your Grave, cars in the movie, and filming locations then and now. Be aware too if you look for this movie that this is the original movie. I Spit On Your Grave has sequels and remakes now. I’ve mentioned 1978 plenty of times but I want to be sure I put that out there. While you’re getting into my mind, check out my artwork here. You can get to my social media and more stuff here. All likes, subs, and followers are appreciated!