MS .45

UK | 1978 | COLOR | DCP | 81’ | ENGLISH
DIRECTOR: Abel Ferrara
SCREENWRITER: Nicholas St. John
DoP: James Momel
MUSIC: Joe Delia
EDITOR: Christopher Andrews
PRINCIPAL CAST: Zoë Lund, Steve Singer, Jack Thibeau, Peter Yellen

Detestable according to reviews after its first screening, Abel Ferrara’s baptism by fire in the ’80s is a cult dream and the definition of ‘hidden’ film. A seamstress is raped twice in the same day and from that day a .45 becomes her best friend —and a terror for New York males. ‘Death Wish’s’ other side, and a delightfully inverted Argento, is a cult part of the amoralistic cinephile pleasure. Βut besides that the semantic orgasm looms large (the heroine is mute, for example) and the filmic shades take it to the next level. The unforgettable Zoe Lund is at the epicenter and all around her a master of style, foretelling the ‘80s, documenting with wonderful black humor is- sues that remain unsolved. I.D.

ABEL FERRARA
American director born in 1951. He studied in San Francisco. His debut film was porn and since then he has been considered controversial. During the ‘90s he achieved broad recognition and he remains especially active.

FILMOGRAPHY (SELECTED)
2014 Pasolini
2007 Go Go Tales
2005 Mary
1998 New Rose Hotel
1996 The Funeral
1993 Body Snatchers
1992 Bad Lieutenant
1990 King of New York
1981 Ms .45
1979 The Driller Killer