Eli Roth, the horror film director-writer known for his dark, menacingly humorous style, is set to release a collaboration with the Italian soundtrack label CAM Sugar on March 21. Titled “Eli Roth’s Red Light Disco: Dancefloor Seductions From Italian Sexploitation Cinema,” the release will be distributed through Universal Music.
Simultaneously, Roth will be offering “stock” to his dedicated fanbase in his independent “mini-studio,” the Horror Section, in partnership with the investing platform Republic. An aficionado of music and film, Roth’s eclectic taste spans from horror filmmakers to Italian sexploitation cinema soundtracks of the 1970s and 1980s.
Known for his sick yet funny sense of humor evident in films like “Hostel” and “Thanksgiving,” Roth draws inspiration from diverse sources, including the Three Stooges and Monty Python. His love for Italian cinema, from operatic filmmaking to over-the-top violence in films like “Demons,” has led him down a path of admiration for Italian filmmakers and composers.
Roth curates a collection of vintage Italian sex comedy composers on “Eli Roth’s Red Light Disco,” showcasing legendary figures like Franco Campanino and Stelvio Cipriani. He emphasizes the unique style and vibrancy of their music, which often found its way into multiple films through reuse.
Italian cinema’s influence on Roth transcends music, extending to Italian Westerns’ impact on American cinema. The use of stinging electric guitars in Italian Western soundtracks, highlighted by composers like Ennio Morricone, revolutionized the genre. Roth also delves into Italian sex comedies, appreciating the zany, unconventional charm of the music in these films.
Roth’s passion for horror extends beyond filmmaking, as he ventures into the establishment of the Horror Section, a fan-funded studio offering investors a chance to own a piece of his creative ventures. Through Republic, fans can invest in Roth’s projects and potentially share in profits while enjoying exclusive perks like early screenings.
By innovating in both filmmaking and investment strategies, Roth showcases his commitment to pushing boundaries and nurturing the horror genre’s growth. With a diverse range of interests, including Italian cinema and music, Roth continues to captivate audiences with his unique artistic vision.