Pull on some leather and rev up your engines for Russ Meyer’s busty classic "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" In this round of sleazetastic cinema. This is one of my most favorite films of all time.
Russ Meyer was an American film director, producer, and screenwriter known for his work in the exploitation film genre. One of his most notable films is "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" released in 1965. The film is considered a cult classic and is particularly known for its overly sexualized portrayal of strong female characters.
"Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" tells the story of three go-go dancers who embark on a violent crime spree in the California desert. Hostages, murder, and that long green! What’s not to love.. Meyer's filmmaking style often featured exaggerated sexuality and violence, and "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" is a prime example of his unique and audacious approach to filmmaking.
The movie has gained a cult following over the years and is celebrated for its campy and over-the-top elements. It has influenced various filmmakers and remains a significant part of the exploitation film genre.
Tura Satana was an American actress and exotic dancer, best known for her role as Varla in Russ Meyer's "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” Varla is portrayed as a strong, aggressive, and domineering woman with a penchant for violence. Tura Satana's performance in the role is often praised for its intensity and her ability to command attention on screen.
Varla's character is crucial to the film's feminist and exploitation themes, as she defies traditional gender roles and expectations. Tura Satana's portrayal of Varla contributed significantly to the cult status of the film, and her performance is remembered as a standout in the exploitation film genre.
Outside of her role in "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!," Tura Satana had a diverse career that included acting, dancing, and modeling. She remains an iconic figure in cult cinema, and her impact on the genre is still acknowledged and celebrated.
Staring alongside Tura Satana in "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" are Haji and Lori Williams. Haji played the character Rosie in the film. She was a frequent collaborator with Russ Meyer and appeared in several of his films. Haji had a distinctive and memorable presence, contributing to the film's overall bold and provocative atmosphere. Outside of her work with Meyer, she also appeared in other exploitation and cult films.
Lori Williams played the role of Billie in "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" While her screen career was relatively short-lived, her performance in the film added to the dynamic trio of go-go dancers. After her acting career, Lori Williams pursued a career in photography.
Together, Tura Satana, Haji, and Lori Williams formed the central trio of strong and empowered female characters in the film, each contributing to the unique and iconic nature of "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!"
While the film can be a little difficult to track down, it is certainly worth the the search!
Fun Fact:
Filmed in August 1994 in Desert Shores, California, 'You Want This' was directed by Keir McFarlane. Drawing loose inspiration from Russ Meyer's 1965 classic, 'Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!', the video revolves around Janet Jackson as a fierce female gang leader, navigating encounters with two men and showcasing the edgy vibe of the original film. The remix of the song features an appearance by MC Lyte, who also shows up in the video. MC Lyte shared her excitement, saying, 'I was totally pumped to be part of a Janet Jackson video. The only thing I wish I could've nailed was the dance moves [laughs]. If I had the dance skills, I could've really brought something extra to it.
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