Not specifically emblematic of the "nunsploitation" subgenre signifiers, which were so prevalent in the 1970's after Ken Russell's The Devils (1971), Guilio Berruti's Killer Nun is less exploitative. It doesn't offer a wildly extravagant, gun-toting nun. Nor does it have a convent of sexually repressed nuns, using crucifix's to subvert Christianity in any way. Sister Gertrude (Anita Ekberg, who's image of Sylvia in Fellini's La Dolce Vita (1960) became iconic of European cinema), complains of severe headaches after undergoing neurosurgery, and appears to be suffering from hallucinations. These progressively become exacerbated by an habitual use of opiates, and Gertrude's behaviour on the ward of the geriatrics hospital, and her work is disturbed. In one outburst, she is annoyed by a patient, Josephine (Nerina Montagnani), who has left her false teeth in a glass of water, Sister takes then out and stamps until they break.
A series of strange deaths occur in and around the hospital, and the suspicion begins to focus upon sister Gertrude. Her personal confusion is spiralling out of control, and she is not even aware if she is the culprit. Killer Nun is not exactly what I was expecting. As I stated, there are none of the obvious imagery associated with the nun subgenre. So whilst it was not the fun, exciting and possibly humorous experience I expected, it wasn't exactly a bad place to spend 90 minutes. It had some over-the-top but good performances from Ekberg, and also from Andy Warhol regular Joe Dallesandro, who plays Dr Patrick Roland, who eventually becomes seduced by a subversive woman in a habit.
The film tries to have a more psychological aspect to the narrative, but I can't help but miss the rampant nuns, writhing around in their own sexual debauchery, attempting to obliterate and subvert every religious image possible. A nun with a gun is also something of a pleasurable juxtaposition. Killer Nun is also purported to be based on a real life incident, but I have not verified this.
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