Piero Schivazappa, born in Colorno, made his mark in 1969 with The Laughing Woman, where he served as both director and writer. This film, notorious for its BDSM themes, faced significant censorship challenges, highlighting Schivazappa's bold approach to storytelling. His work not only reflects the provocative nature of 1970s Italian cinema but also showcases his ability to blend eroticism with complex narratives. Schivazappa's contributions to the genre continue to resonate within the cult film community.
The Laughing Woman
Dr. Sayer, the director of a philanthropic foundation, spends his weekends at his luxurious villa outside of Rome toying with sadistic fantasies. His games are usually acted out with the help of a prostitute conversant with his desires. When his regular prostitute becomes unavailable at the last minute, Sayer substitutes Maria, a young journalist on his staff. After the drugged Maria regains consciousness at his villa, Sayer realizes that he now has a real victim on his hands. She is subjected to his unpleasant games but soon begins subverting him.
