Okay, so "hagploitation" – it’s a bit of a loaded term, isn't it? It sounds almost comical, and in some ways, it is meant to be. But beneath the surface lurks something far more interesting than just cheap thrills. Essentially, it refers to exploitation films that focus on older women as villains or figures of monstrousness. Now, before you picture a cackling witch stirring a cauldron, let's unpack what this subgenre really offers and why it’s surprisingly relevant even today.
The term emerged in the 70s, capitalizing (pun intended!) on anxieties surrounding aging, female power, and societal shifts. Think of it as a cinematic reflection of a culture grappling with women gaining more independence – and sometimes, that discomfort manifested as portraying older women as threats. It's easy to dismiss these films as simply exploitative, but I think there’s often a fascinating commentary bubbling beneath the surface.
Take Hemet, or the Landlady Don’t Drink Tea, for example. It isn't just about a creepy landlady; it’s about power dynamics and how easily they can be abused. The film uses paranoia and manipulation to explore the darker side of human nature – something that resonates even now in our age of misinformation and social media echo chambers. It reminds me, oddly enough, of Get Out, but with a distinctly 70s aesthetic and a focus on psychological rather than outright physical horror.
Then you have films like What’s the Matter with Helen? which, while leaning into the "exploitation" aspect, also offers a surprisingly heartwarming story about female resilience and community. It's a fascinating counterpoint – showing how older women can reclaim their agency even within a system that might try to marginalize them.
And let’s not forget Trog. While undeniably a creature feature, it taps into the fear of "the other" - what happens when something different is discovered and then exploited for profit? It's a surprisingly prescient commentary on scientific ethics and corporate greed. You see echoes of this in films like Jurassic Park, where unchecked ambition leads to disastrous consequences.
What’s fascinating about hagploitation, beyond the sensationalism, is how it often plays with genre conventions. Berserk! blends circus spectacle with a murder mystery, creating an unsettling atmosphere that's both glamorous and deeply disturbing. And Night Watch, with its focus on a woman battling disbelief while confronting potential violence, feels like a proto-psychological thriller – a precursor to films like Gone Girl.
Ultimately, hagploitation isn’t just about older women being “scary.” It’s about exploring societal anxieties, challenging gender roles (even if in a flawed way), and using genre tropes to comment on the human condition. It's a messy, often uncomfortable corner of cinema history, but one that deserves a closer look – not for its shock value alone, but for what it reveals about our own fears and prejudices.
So, next time you’re looking for something a little different, give these films a whirl. You might be surprised by what you find lurking beneath the surface!
