A Jarring Introduction in The Exterminator
Recently, I delved into the gritty world of 1980’s The Exterminator, a film that plunges headfirst into the raw and unfiltered chaos of urban vigilantism. Directed by James Glickenhaus, this movie doesn’t just tiptoe around the edges but dives deep into the murky waters of moral ambiguity and relentless action. The film catapults us into the harrowing landscapes of Vietnam, where a combat unit faces capture. In a twist that strains believability, one prisoner, inexplicably unbound, seizes a belt-fed machine gun, turning the tide against their captors. This opening, while intense, raises questions about the captors’ oversight. Moreover, a particularly graphic decapitation scene, reminiscent of a “hot knife cutting through butter,” pushes the boundaries of practical effects and viewer endurance. Grab your flamethrower and motorcycle helmets and let’s go play judge, jury, and execution in The Exterminator from 1980.
The Exterminator Goes from Battlefield to Urban Jungle
Transitioning from the war-torn fields of Vietnam to the gritty streets of New York, we follow John Eastland, a veteran who, after a brutal attack on his friend by a gang known as the Ghetto Ghouls, takes justice into his own hands. This narrative mirrors themes from films like Taxi Driver, focusing less on character development and more on delivering unfiltered, over-the-top action sequences though. The Exterminator is like the last 20 minutes of Taxi Driver sprinkled with some mob movie violence then mixed into a typical 80’s action movie. On the topic of Taxi Driver, I blogged on this movie a while back and it’s one of my favorites. You can read this film reflection here. I’ll take this time to give a shout out to Jason Vukovich, better known as “The Alaskan Avenger.” Jason is a real-world John Eastland of sorts. Follow him on YouTube here.
The Ghetto Ghouls’ Domain
The Ghetto Ghouls’ lair, an abandoned section of the city, curiously maintains power, illuminating walls adorned with posters of Che Guevara and Bruce Lee. This blend of revolutionary and martial imagery adds a unique, albeit perplexing, ambiance to their hideout. Another film that I watched and reviewed titled Switchblade Sisters raised a similar question for me – how do you have power in abandoned buildings? If you’re just in the mood to read, you can find this blog here. In typical young adult outlaw fashion, this hideout is where kids go to party, hang out with girls, plan attacks, and typically in action movie fashion get caught slipping. All of this takes place at The Ghetto Ghouls hangout in The Exterminator. On a side note, I thought the name “Ghetto Ghouls” was a great name and, they had a cool car with a cheap paintjob too. Check these wheels out here.
Unconventional Interrogation Techniques
A standout scene features a police officer employing a psychological tactic: handcuffing a heroin-addicted woman to a chair, he empties her purse, placing her syringe just out of reach. This method, forcing her to confront her addiction, is both innovative and harrowing, showcasing the film’s commitment to exploring the darker facets of human nature. I have never seen interrogation like this but, I imagine it would work. When you see a girl handcuffed to a chair in a movie like this, this is certainly not what you expect. Another scene has a man using a flamethrower and another a sausage grinder. While things like this don’t happen (at least professionally) in America, I’m sure they are not far off in other countries like Isreal and Russia for instance. Anyone remember the terrorist that bombed the Russian concert in a hospital stretcher twitching at his hearing? It happens.
Innovative Yet Questionable Strategies
Eastland’s methods of confronting crime lords are as inventive as they are brutal. In one instance, he conceals himself within a trash can to ambush a mafia boss in a bathroom—a tactic that, while surprising, practically made sense. Another memorable moment involves suspending a mobster over a meat grinder, a scene that, despite its implied violence, effectively conveys the protagonist’s relentless pursuit of vengeance. I have to say, that even though The Exterminator doesn’t show the gore, the sloppy meat coming out of the grinder and splashing onto the floor created a disturbing effect and certainly got the point across well. Honestly, it made me cringe a little.
Urban Aesthetics and Atmosphere of The Exterminator
The Exterminator captures the essence of its era, showcasing theaters with marquees displaying titles like Firepower (I found it funny to see this title because I blogged on this movie where OJ plays a criminal and does it well – read the blog here) and immersing viewers in the neon-lit ambiance of the red-light district. The vibrant signage, proclaiming “Girls, Girls, Girls” in glowing letters, juxtaposes the film’s dark themes with the city’s pulsating nightlife. This was another similarity to Taxi Driver featuring Robert Di Nero. Speaking of the red-light district, The Exterminator shows some of the dangers of prostitution too. You don’t really think about this, at least I don’t. After watching The Exterminator, I am more aware of some of these – that’s why you need a good pimp I suppose. I’m joking but, this is a dangerous lifestyle.
The Exterminator’s Nod to Vigilante Cinema
While The Exterminator shares thematic elements with films like Death Wish, it carves its own niche with its unflinching portrayal of violence and moral ambiguity. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the protagonist’s descent into vigilantism, prompting viewers to grapple with the ethical implications of taking the law into one’s own hands. With our debatably failing justice system, I’m surprised that we don’t see more of this in the real world. Occasionally, you see someone jump over the wall in a courtroom and attack someone being sentenced or have someone like the Alaskan Avenger really get serious about the work, but, for the most part, a lot of this doesn’t happen. I enjoyed this premise. Another thing I enjoyed about The Exterminator was the ending. It was not at all what I expected and really surprised me. It was also left open ended which came as a shock too.
Final Reflections on The Exterminator
In essence, The Exterminator is a raw, unpolished gem of 1980s action/violence cinema. Its unapologetic approach to storytelling, combined with its vivid portrayal of urban decay and moral complexity, makes it a compelling watch for those intrigued by the darker side of vigilante narratives. While it may not appeal to all tastes, its impact on the genre and its reflection of societal tensions during its time of release are undeniable. It’s a somewhat unheard of low grade action movie from the beginning of the decade that had the best of them, so it’s worth watching if you dig this genre. I would watch The Exterminator again. In closing, you’re invited to follow my art journey on social media, visit my website, read more of my blogs on odd films, and consider supporting and buying my art here. Peace.