"Thriller - A Cruel Picture," also known as "They Call Her One Eye," stands as one of the most striking examples of independent filmmaking. Directed by the visionary Swedish artist Bo Arne Vibenius, the film is a raw, unapologetic exploration of revenge and violence, embodying the very essence of exploitation cinema. Released in 1973, "Thriller" has since become a cult classic, revered by fans of the genre for its unflinching brutality, artistic flair, and the haunting performance of its lead actress, Christina Lindberg. But behind this controversial masterpiece lies the story of a director whose journey was as tumultuous and unconventional as the film itself.
Fig.1. Bo Arne Vibenius (left), Christina Lindberg (centre), Ralph Lundsten (right)
The Strange Case of Bo Arne Vibenius
Bo Arne Vibenius, who would later become a controversial figure in Swedish cinema, began his career with promise and ambition. Born in Sweden, Vibenius had a fascination with film from an early age. This passion led him to the prestigious Swedish Film School, where he saw an opportunity to carve out a place for himself in the world of cinema. His early career seemed promising, especially when he landed a position working with the iconic Swedish director Ingmar Bergman on films like "Persona" and "Hour of the Wolf." Vibenius appeared to be on the path to success, working alongside one of the most respected filmmakers of the 20th century.
Fig.2. Film affiche "Thriller- They Call Her One-Eye" (1973)
Fig.3. Christina Lindberg as Frigga
However, Vibenius had ambitions that extended beyond collaborating on the visions of others. He yearned to create something uniquely his own, something that would set him apart in the cinematic world. This desire led him to direct his first film, "Hur Marie Traffade Fredrik" ("How Marie Met Fredrik"), a bizarre and whimsical children's film released in Sweden in 1969. The film told the story of two children navigating a fantasy world of their own making, complete with go-kart races, Old West gunfights, and surreal encounters with the police. Unfortunately, "Hur Marie Traffade Fredrik" was a commercial failure. The film's eccentric style and offbeat narrative did not resonate with audiences, leaving Vibenius financially devastated.
Fig.4. Heinz Hopf as Tony (the sadistic pimp)
With his directorial debut a failure and the responsibility of supporting his family weighing heavily on him, Vibenius was at a crossroads. He could either return to working on the visions of others, or he could take a bold risk and create something that would finally secure his place in the cinematic pantheon. Determined to forge his own destiny, Vibenius made a decision that would ultimately lead to the creation of "Thriller - A Cruel Picture."
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Fig.7. Christina Lindberg and Despina Tomazani (left)
Creating the "Most Commercial Film Ever"
Vibenius was determined to create a film that would be, in his words, "the most commercial film ever." This ambition may seem ironic in retrospect, given that "Thriller" is anything but a typical commercial film. Instead, what Vibenius created was a visceral, unrelenting exploration of violence and vengeance that would become a cornerstone of the exploitation genre.
Fig.8.
"Thriller" tells the story of Madeline, a young woman who is kidnapped, drugged, and forced into prostitution after a brutal sexual assault. Left mute by her trauma, Madeline embarks on a quest for revenge, training herself in martial arts and marksmanship to exact her bloody retribution. The film's narrative is simple, yet Vibenius's execution elevates it to something far more impactful. With a keen eye for production value and an inherent artistic sensibility, Vibenius crafted a film that oozes with raw emotion and unfiltered intensity.
Fig.9.
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Click HERE for a nice portrait of the bewitching (s)exploitation star Christina Lindberg (including many revealing images!)
Sources: x.com, Synapse films, mondo-digital.com, bloodonthecamera.wordpress.com, tombitmayconcern.wordpress.com
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