A sadistic philanthropist's games take a turn when his intended victim refuses to play along.
THE LAUGHING WOMAN
A rich and sadistic man, who enjoys degrading women as part of elaborate S&M games, abducts a female journalist. She is subjected to his unpleasant games but soon begins subverting him.
Quick Answer
The Laughing Woman is a 1969 Italian drama, romance, and thriller film directed by Piero Schivazappa about a sadistic philanthropist who abducts a female journalist for his weekend games, only to find her subverting his control.
Programmer's Pick
Femina Ridens is not your garden-variety S&M thriller—it’s a visually bold standoff between predator and prey, where the prey sharpens her own claws. Pop Art decadence, social critique, and a tangle of gender politics ensure this Italian psychodrama is anything but straightforward.
— SassyFlix Programmer
Overview
Details & Specs
- Director
- Piero Schivazappa
- Writers
- Paolo Levi, Piero Schivazappa, Giuseppe Zaccariello
- Release
- 1969
- Runtime
- 1h 26m
- Country
- Italy
- Language
- Italian
- Also Known As
- The Laughing Woman, The Frightened Woman, Gioco d’amore, gioco di morte, Le duo de la mort, Femina ridens (original title)
Cast & Crew
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Why Cult
The film’s visual style reflects a Pop Art sensibility, bringing a glossy, decadent sheen to its psychological games.
A sadistic man and a clever woman engage in a psychological battle, twisting expected victim and aggressor roles.
S&M fantasies and sexploitation elements are central, pushing boundaries with scenes of bondage, nudity, and manipulation.
The film immerses itself in the distinctively stylish, decadent world of late-1960s Italy, from its settings to its social commentary.
Scene Gallery
Threat File
Abduction of Maria by Dr. Sayer
Sadistic psychological and physical games
Degradation and attempted control of the victim
Luxurious villa outside Rome
Questions from the Vault
When was The Laughing Woman released? +
The Laughing Woman was released in 1969.
Who directed The Laughing Woman? +
The Laughing Woman was directed by Piero Schivazappa.
How long is The Laughing Woman? +
The Laughing Woman has a runtime of 86 minutes.
What genre is The Laughing Woman? +
The Laughing Woman is a drama, romance, and thriller film.
Where can I watch The Laughing Woman? +
You can watch The Laughing Woman on SassyFlix.
