"The OG Faces of Death is a 1978 mondo-horror film. Mondo movies are essentially really gnarly mockumentaries - they've also been called shockumentaries - featuring scenes that are often violent or sexually explicit (or both!)."
"Written and directed by John Alan Schwartz, the movie uses the framing narrative of fictional pathologist Francis B. Gröss sharing people's gruesome final moments or the aftermath of their demise."
"These are the titular 'faces of death,' although the movie doesn't do a great job of articulating the educational purpose behind its shocking content."
"The 2026 Faces of Death is actually really good, and having a better understanding of the original - including the controversy that has hovered around it for decades - will only bolster your appreciation."
Faces of Death, released in 1978, is a mondo-horror film that combines real and staged footage of human and animal deaths. It features a fictional pathologist narrating gruesome scenes, contributing to its reputation as a shockumentary. The film has gained a cult following and remains misunderstood outside horror circles. The upcoming 2026 film, directed by Daniel Goldhaber, is not a direct remake or sequel but offers a fresh perspective on the original's themes and controversies, enhancing appreciation for both films.
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