Directed by Russ Meyer and co-written by Meyer and Jack Moran.
Cast: Tura Satana, Haji, Lori Williams, Ray Barlow, Sue Bernard, Dennis Busch, Stuart Lancaster, Paul Trinka.
Even if you're not too familiar with Russ Meyer's movies, just hearing his name probably gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect: lots of violence and plenty of cleavage. And you'd be right on the money with that guess.
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| Susan Bernard |
Go-Go dancers Varla, Rosie, and Billie are out causing trouble in the desert, as they do. When they come across a young couple, things take a dangerous turn. Varla ends up taking out the boyfriend, Tommy, and the girls decide to kidnap Sue Bernard as Linda, the girlfriend. They hear about an old man with cash hidden at his ranch, and Varla's greed leads them to head over there with Linda in tow. However, the old man isn't as harmless as they thought, and getting the cash won't be as easy as they expected. But these ladies are tough and ready for a fight, so they won't give up without a struggle.
Faster, Pussycat! was made on a small budget of around $45,000 and filmed in black and white to cut costs.
Many initially viewed the film as a sexist B movie, leading to mixed reviews and underwhelming box office performance. Despite its initial lackluster performance, it eventually gained recognition as an iconic counterculture film celebrating female empowerment in contrast to the prevalent themes of masculine power in cinema. This influential film served as a major inspiration for Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof.
Renowned feminist film critic B. Ruby Rich initially expressed strong disapproval towards Faster, Pussycat! when she viewed it in the 1970s, deeming it a misogynistic film that objectified women and bordered on being soft-core. Yet, upon revisiting the film in the early 1990s, her perspective shifted drastically. Rich came to appreciate Faster, cat! and even wrote a comprehensive piece in The Village Voice reevaluating the movie and reflecting on her change of heart.
"I never try anything. I just do it. And I don't beat clocks, just people! Wanna try me?"
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| Tura Satana |
Tura Satana as Varla steals the show with her electrifying performance as the pack's leader. With her striking high-arched brows her choice of skin-tight pants and a black v-neck that plunges, she exudes confidence. It's worth mentioning that Satana, a skilled martial artist holding a green belt in aikido and black belts in karate, judo, and kendo, took charge of the fight scenes. She explained that she had to personally carry each of her opponents to make the fights look realistic since no one else knew how to do them. She even had to lay one guy on the floor because he was afraid of getting hurt. Varla's strength and determination shine through in every scene.
Haji as Rosie stands out as the most clever and analytical of the three dancers.
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| Haji |
Varla, on the other hand, is portrayed as a power-hungry psychopath who is only interested in asserting her dominance.
She provides an interesting contrast to Lori Williams as Billie, who simply wants to enjoy herself.
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| Lori Williams |
However, both Varla and Billie share a lack of concern for the future, unlike Rosie who offers sound advice that neither of them heeds.
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| Dennis Busch as the Vegetable & Stuart Lancaster as The Old Man |
On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have Kirk, the elderly son of the Old man, portrayed by Paul Trinka. Kirk's dedication to his family has led his father to plot against him, and he is belittled for his love of reading.
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| Paul Trinka |
Despite his efforts to mitigate his father's harmful actions, Kirk ultimately finds himself striving to protect the kidnapped girl Linda from both his father and Varla. This character dynamic reveals a deep concern for familial loyalty and the value of protecting those in need.
It's worth noting that Kirk also has a not-so-healthy attraction to Varla. When Varla seduces him for information about the old man's hidden money, Kirk delivers some of the most memorable lines in the entire film. He compares Varla to his father in many ways before confessing,
“Because you’re a beautiful animal. And I’m weak, and I want you.”
However, Kirk's character isn't a tragic one like Rosie's because he ultimately breaks free from his attraction to Varla and actively opposes her. Speaking of Rosie (Haji), Varla's right-hand woman, she's a complex character as well. Despite initially arguing in favor of killing Linda, the kidnapped young girl, Rosie never actually goes through with it. The only time she causes harm is when she unintentionally runs over the old man. The film makes it clear that Rosie's actions are driven by love for Varla, making her the true tragic figure in the story.
In a rather controversial manner, feminism was a constant presence throughout the film. However, it wasn't the typical kind that was expected, even considering the period. Instead, it showcased a genuine appreciation for women beyond their sexual appeal. The three main characters, who happen to be female villains, are determined to lead independent lives, free from the constraints imposed by men. The catalyst for the story involves a woman defeating a man through a fair display of skills, rather than relying on seduction to secure victory. These women actively pursue sexual pleasure while maintaining their autonomy.
Lastly, the messed up situation at the center of the film is a direct result of toxic masculinity and the oppressive nature of patriarchy. Even the initial portrayal of disability, which may seem inaccurate, serves as a commentary on the dangers of societal conditioning and the importance of breaking free from its chains.
I truly appreciate the fact that this film is constantly engaging, with so much happening throughout that time just flies by. Every minute of the hour and twenty-minute runtime is packed with banter that is cheesy but memorable, the fight scenes are solid. car chases provocative scenes, and some truly unique character development allowing the talented cast to showcase their acting skills. With only two 'good' characters, the rest are portrayed as despicable, each revealing their sins gradually. The development of character relationships and the girls' pecking order was intriguing to watch.
If you're into trashy/exploitative cinema like Grindhouse and Giallo films, then this movie is right up your alley. I found it enjoyable from beginning to end. While it does toe the line between feminism and misogyny, it's fine if it's not your cup of tea. If it makes you uncomfortable, just skip it. But if you can handle it, go for it, this movie is a wild ride. For those who embrace it, it's pure fun with non-stop excitement. It's unapologetic about its intentions and challenges you to keep up - so buckle up and enjoy the ride!
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