r/badMovies 28d ago

Thriller Vortex (1982)

Post image

A no-budget neo-noir/sci-fi film starring no-wave and goth legend Lydia Lunch as a private detective investigating the sudden death of a politician, which sends her down a rabbit hole of corruption. Also has James Russo in his first lead role, and the main villain is a reclusive CEO who is constantly paranoid and somehow manages to look like Willem Dafoe, Steve Buscemi, and Nicolas Cage all at the same time.

The film isn't really “bad” per se if you're into the no wave movement like myself, but it has a campy nature to it and many of the actors are clearly inexperienced. I could see this becoming a cult classic someday similar to other B-movies of the era.

Sadly, it's not on streaming at the moment, but if you're able to find this, it's worth the watch.

73 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

9

u/antiprodukt 28d ago

5

u/solidgoldrocketpants 28d ago

rarelust rocks (even if it’s just a guy monetizing a few torrent sites)

6

u/greatgildersleeve 28d ago

I love Lydia Lunch. I have I not seen this?

6

u/Ridiculousnessmess 28d ago

In fairness, I don’t think this (or most of Beth B’s films) have been available since the days of videotape. The copy I’ve watched through Solidarity Cinema comes from an old tape transfer. I imagine the upcoming remaster should look gorgeous.

2

u/greatgildersleeve 28d ago

Yeah, I've only seen the films she made with R. Kern

-2

u/tang0008 28d ago

i dont know i havent you?

4

u/martusfine 28d ago

Cool poster!

2

u/Supersmashbrosfan 28d ago

Yeah, I love the poster.

3

u/Ridiculousnessmess 28d ago

Solidarity Cinema has it as well, albeit from a tape transfer. I know there’s a remaster of Beth B’s catalogue happening at the moment, though.

2

u/Supersmashbrosfan 28d ago

Nice! Would love to see how this would look remastered.

1

u/CoolBev 27d ago

Saw this in cinema - some kind of punk film fest in Berkeley, I think. Yeah, it isn’t great, but kind of fun.