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"Goodbye Uncle Tom" remains one of the most notorious exploitation films ever made and its easy to see why. According to Bill Landis' essential "Sleazoid Express" book, this caused riots when it originally played in Times Square. The film was made as an attempt for filmmakers Gualtiero Jacopetti and Franco Prosperi (who helmed the international smash "Mondo Cane") to crush the rumors they were racists. The result feels like an attempt to explore one of America's most horrible crimes against humanity in a exploitation film style. I still haven't made up my mind whether this is a humanitarian plea for recognition of brutality or simply cheap sensationalism.One of the main reasons why I question the sincerity of Jacopetti and Prosperi is that they made this film only to crush the rumors they were racists. Did they actually feel strongly about slavery or was this made more out of self-interest? The facts that they were from Italy and historical accuracy is often sacrificed for cheap sensationalism certainly argues this case. I'm not accusing them of being racists, but this film seems rather exploitive nonetheless. Its also confusing if the team is calling for peace or violence in race relations.Still, there's no denying this is a powerful experience. The film captures the true horror of humanity at its worst and the actions committed on screen are often disgusting. Its also a very well made film (the musical score by Riz Ortolani are cinematography are top noth). Its constantly engrossing and fascinating, but one wonders if this is interested in humanitarianism or just mere exploitation, similar to "Cannibal Holocaust". Also, like "Cannibal Holocaust", some of the images are so gut-wrenching I'm in no rush to watch this a second time to devise an answer. Still, it should be seen once by fans of envelope-pushing cinema. (7/10)
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