I am no stranger to extreme cinema. Although I may have begun my education in horror with classic films like Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Wolf Man, I would ultimately graduate to watching the harder stuff in my older years. To me, a warning has always sounded more like an invitation. A potential challenge that’s begging to be overcome. More often than not, the threat has turned out to be exaggerated. Every so often, though, the call for caution has been completely warranted. It is on these rare occasions that I will bear witness to the kind of things that nightmares are really made of. In summary, I’ve seen some shit – some truly awful, downright unforgivable shit.  

I first heard of SamHel and his work while researching another notorious horror figure, Fred Vogel. This comes as no surprise, though, as his projects are frequently mentioned alongside titles like August Underground, Slaughtered Vomit Dolls, and Aftermath. As such, the films that have his name attached to them are exactly what you would expect them to be. His company, A Baroque House, has provided the public with a grotesque blend of gore and hardcore pornography for years. With selections like Spit, I Cut Your Flesh, and Blue Android in the catalog, they are well-versed in releasing sickeningly transgressive content. His latest production, Erotophonophiliac, seems to be yet another continuation of this thematic trend.  

Directed by Shane Ryan, Erotophonophiliac is a new entry into the already prolific faux-snuff genre. There isn’t a whole lot to discuss in terms of plot. It’s pretty much your standard affair, which has already been done multiple times by several different people. The story is comprised of a series of clips, which are framed as being from the collection of an anonymous lust killer. If you’re familiar with the August Underground series, imagine that, except much shorter and with the inclusion of graphic, unsimulated sex. That’s right – full penetration, baby. How very saucy. While certainly not pleasant to watch, Erotophonophiliac isn’t exceptionally disturbing, either. That being said, the film does contain some pretty sordid stuff, even if it isn’t the worst I’ve ever seen. So, if you have a strong aversion to such material, you should probably avoid this one like the plague. However, if you are keen on that sort of thing, and are looking for another Melancholie der Engel, you sadly won’t find it here. 

As far as presentation goes, Erotophonophiliac does not attempt to be dishonest about what it is. So, at least there is that to say for it. In my mind, there is nothing more grating than misrepresentation. It insults the intelligence of the viewer. If you are intentionally producing sleazy trash, then have the balls to admit that’s what it is. Don’t try to sell me a piss-stained bedsheet while claiming that it’s fine linen. Almost everyone can see through the charade, and you won’t be doing yourself any favors. Thankfully, this is one sin that the film in question isn’t guilty of, and for that, I am grateful. Admittedly, it’s nice to not have to waste any unnecessary time or energy trying to analyze the artistic merits of a project that was likely never supposed to have any, to begin with.  

One of the primary ways in which I will rate a film is by examining the perceived intention of the filmmaker. If they achieve the goal that they set out to accomplish – whatever it might be – then I will give them credit for it. I believe that Erotophonophiliac does exactly this. It is a project that is clearly meant for established fans and not casual viewers. While it isn’t astoundingly imaginative or noteworthy for any particular reason, I don’t think that it was ever meant to be. If they were aiming to please their target audience, then I’d say that they took the right approach by sticking with this tried-and-true formula. Admirers of Shane Ryan, SamHel, and A Baroque House will surely enjoy Erotophonophiliac. For everybody else, it will undoubtedly be disregarded as an acquired taste. You know what they say, though: to each their own.

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4.5 out of 10