Reviewers from The New Yorker describe it as "essential to have seen but impossible to watch," noting it represents depravity that may be unsurpassable.
Beyond politics, the film critiques modern consumerism, suggesting that the drive to consume—at any cost—leads to total moral nihilism . Historical Significance SalГІ, or the 120 Days of Sodom
The film was released just three weeks after Pasolini’s unsolved murder. Some speculate the film’s provocative nature played a role in his death. Reviewers from The New Yorker describe it as
The film serves as a brutal allegory for fascism and the dehumanizing nature of absolute power. the film critiques modern consumerism
Because of its graphic depictions of violence and degradation, Salò was banned in many countries for decades, including Australia and the UK.