 In this film, Merli was, like the other non-professional actors, addressed by his real first name, Franco.The director chose Merli once again, not only because he embodied the "Pasolini-type" to a fault but also because the young actor had already proven in "Arabian Nights" that he was perfectly comfortable appearing nude in front of a camera.In a way, Salò made Franco's face immortal since one of the most highly publicised images of the film was the close-up of young Merli as his tongue is cut out in the final torture scenes.