VIXEN! (NSFW)

Vixen!” is a 1968 exploitation film directed by Russ Meyer.
Russ Meyer, known for his busty exploitation films, delivers a story that’s part sexploitation, part satire, and pretty unconventional for its time.

The film follows the life of Vixen Palmer (played by Erica Gavin), a beautiful and sexually liberated woman living in a remote Canadian wilderness with her husband, Tom (played by Garth Pillsbury), and his Native American brother, Judd (played by Jon Evans).

Vixen is characterized by her insatiable sexual appetite and her penchant for indulging in lustful encounters, often involving those around her.

When a group of American tourists visit the area, Vixen’s curiosity and desires are piqued, leading to a series of provocative interactions. She seduces the tourists, flirts with Judd, and even indulges in some same-sex exploration. As her sexual escapades escalate, tensions within the group grow, and the film explores the dynamics of desire, jealousy, and the clash of cultures.

Amidst the sexual exploits, the film also subtly touches on themes of racism and cultural misunderstandings, particularly in the interactions between Vixen and the Native American characters. The arrival of a mysterious pilot adds further intrigue to the story as secrets and desires come to the forefront.

“Vixen!” is marked by Meyer’s signature visual style, which includes rapid editing, exaggerated camera angles, and playful use of sound effects. The film’s explicit content and boundary-pushing approach to sexuality were controversial at its release, yet they contributed to its cult status and popularity among fans of exploitation cinema.

Russ Meyer, known as the King of Nudies, retired from filmmaking in the 70s as hardcore pornographic films began to rise; it left no room for his trademark softcore satires. But here’s a quick fun fact. In 1977, Malcolm McLaren hired Meyer to direct a movie starring The Sex Pistols. Meyer handed the scriptwriting duties over to Roger Ebert, who, in collaboration with McLaren, produced a screenplay entitled “Who Killed Bambi?” According to Ebert, filming ended after a day and a half when the electricians walked off the set after McLaren could not pay them. The project ultimately evolved into “The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle.” Who knew? Now you do.