"Cannibal Holocaust" was immediately embroiled in controversy upon its release. The film's graphic content, including scenes of violence, torture, and cannibalism, led many critics to accuse Deodato of snuff filmmaking. The film was banned in several countries, including Australia, Italy, and the UK, due to its graphic content.
Deodato intended the film to be a critique of modern media. It contrasts the "civilized" camera crew—who manipulate and provoke violence to get better footage—with the "savage" tribes they are filming, ultimately asking the audience: "I wonder who the real cannibals are?" index of cannibal holocaust 1980 exclusive