FGT staff writer Cassandra Bragg catches up with the heroine of the original Day of the Woman (AKA I Spit on Your Grave.)
I recently had the chance to catch up with Miss Camille Keaton (of the 1978 cult classic I Spit on Your Grave) at Toronto’s annual convention of all things worth being a fan of-Toronto, Canada's FanExpo Convention. Miss Keaton, who made her acting debut in the Italian film What Have You Done to Solange?, directed in 1972 by Massimo Dallamano, cemented her place as a 70s scream queen in Giallo films. Miss Keaton could not have been sweeter or more obliging to me. Of course, we talked Italian horror cinema (one of my personal favorite topics), favorite directors, genre films and Day of the Woman/I Spit on your Grave.
Writer Cassandra Bragg with Camille Keaton
When she made Day of the Woman/I Spit on your Grave, Camille was excited to do an American film. She had acted in so many Italian films throughout the duration of the 70s that she was ready for the horror that ensued. I Spit on your Grave was one of (scratch that- THE MOST) controversial film of that decade. It focused on the disgusting brutality of rape and torture which many sexploitation films of the decade glorified. As a direct result, many critics did not understand it and dismissed it as another trashy sexploitation film without really understanding it. It was, of course, banned in most of Europe as a result.
A haunting image from 'What Have You Done to Solange?', Keaton's film debut.
You were involved in a multitude of Italian films throughout the 70’s. How did you like working with the Italians?
Camille Keaton: I loved the Italians, they're wonderful people!
You have acted in many genre films; which would you say is your absolute favorite?
C.K- Madeleine, Anatomia di un Incubo—from 1974, I’m the most proud of that. Madeleine, Anatomia di un Incubo, it means anatomy of a nightmare—some people have called it Study of a Nightmare also. I loved Roberto Mauri; he’s a wonderful man.
The Italian poster for 'Madeleine'.
Where were you when you found out you were to be cast as the lead role in the most controversial film on the late 70’s?
C.K- That’s a very good question, No one has asked me that before. I remember exactly where I was, at the Barbizon Hotel for Women, in New York City; it’s not there anymore. They phoned me up and started asking what I like to eat and drink, and I was beginning to suspect that I had gotten the role.
I have to ask, Sella Turcica-your new film from ToeTag Pictures, it will be finished filming in October?
C.K- Yes, that’s correct. I hope everyone sees it, I loved it!
Fred Vogel (of ToeTag productions) said that you are an “honor to work with” and that he was “so amazed, that you chose to rub elbows with the little guys.”
C.K- Well isn’t he a sweetie! I adored working with Fred and Sydney and everyone, they’re my family now—I love them.
What made you choose to be in Sella Turcica?
C.K- Well I read the script and I’m into doing the “Mom thing” now, y’know? I had received the call from Art [Camille's manager] and I had heard the most amazing things about Fred, and ToeTag. I was tickled when I found out I was the first choice and figured I’d give it a shot!
I have been a huge Camille Keaton fan, ever since I first saw I Spit on your Grave at the tender age of 15. She is the nicest, most ass-kicking woman I have ever had the pleasure of talking with. She hasn’t aged more than a decade, characterized by her long blond hair and big blue eyes, and she has all the grace of Audrey Hepburn with the awesome appeal of Tura Satana. It was definitely a milestone in my life. If you haven’t seen I Spit on your Grave-the original, yet—you should! Even with the slow, almost boring pace of the first hour characteristic of Zarchi, and some ultra-long dialogue that seems almost pointless, the revenge is sweet!
Camille's new film Sella Turcica looks awesome! There’s mama Keaton, Jade Risser as the sister, and newcomer Damien Maruscak. Did I mention it’s a ToeTag film, meaning Fred Vogel and the gang that made August Underground and Redsin Tower are in charge of it? I am very excited to see it.
Bragg gets an awesome souvenir of the interview.
The official synopsis of Sella Surcica reads: A soldier (Damien A. Maruscak) comes home from active duty with the army, after a mysterious accident confines him to a wheelchair; to his ecstatic mother (Camille) and sister (Jade Risser). Only as time goes on do they find out the dreadful accident details that lead to the horrendous aftermath of this story that will change one family forever.
Watch the trailer for Keaton's new film Sella Turcica:
