The main character of the movie is a skinny man in glasses (played by Aleksandr Shevchenko), who suffers from realistic nightmares. After one of these visions, he finally decides to seek for help from his friend (Aleksandra Batrumova), who is very interested in mysticism. A sudden breakage of his phone changes his plans and brings a repair man to his home (Victor Silkin). The highly experienced specialist tells him about the vampires who cause awful nightmares, he also tells him some methods of fighting them. The worst part is that all humans who know about the existence of the vampires are doomed to be tortured, followed by death. The same destiny awaits for the informers. To implement their verdict, the vampires send the executioner; a tall man in a black hat and a long raincoat. Now all chit-chatterers and eye-witnesses are awaiting a cruel ending. The main character receives a call and finds out that his girlfriend is at a strange nightclub. Briefly summing up the problem, he asks her to come as fast as she can, not realizing that he has just opened a horrifying truth for her and has given out her location to the vampires … The audience should expect two hours of being torn apart from reality and finding themselves in the world full of nightmares, murders and drugs The subject matter of the movie might be periodically lost during the first viewing of the film, and may also cause some misunderstanding of what's going on. In fact whilst watching the screen, dreams slowly takes over the reality, and as in all dreams; there's not much logic and common sense. At least the viewer can always relax and marvel at the special effects.
Accompanied by the actions of the executor, the nightmare replaces reality. This process is illustrated well in the scenes at the night club, which represents an absolutely independent world with it's own rules and charters. After fierce attack by the conqueror on the club, they are forced to give up. Some sort of struggle between two dark forces, reality with non-existence. Demonstration of the night life in the club before the attack of the darkness is a little stretched in time. This causes a feeling that the movie is cut in the middle of the plot. As for the rest of the story, the action speeds up and doesn't give any time for the viewer to get bored all the way to the final credits.
The special effects and the make-up of the actors are of a very high level. The dreams of the protagonist and the former priest (Andrey Iskanov) are done especially well. Some great cutting (montage), and soundtrack by Aleksandr Shevchenko make these scenes some of the best in the film, putting Andrey in favorable position among the majority of his colleagues in this genre. Despite the absence of theatrical education, the actors managed to perform their roles admirably.
Negative characters, in Sviatoslav Iliasov execution, have especially distinguished: a phantom knocking on shaman's tambourine, and efficiently mowing (down) everything on the way mutant. In a role of ominous "executor" successfully debuted Igor Orlov.
Even though "Visions of Suffering" is a very scary and decadent movie, it isn't a classical horror film. Despite the of presence of severe and colorful murders, the director did not try to create an atmosphere of horror or to shock the audience with uncompromising scenes. Accurate to the limits, Andrey demonstrates to the viewer a reality full of terrible characters, and it's other side; incomprehensible and mystical, that has no logical explanation. I would say, that result of the work of the film-making troupe has become qualitative surrealistic cinema without the unfortunate claim of a horror movie.
Unlike "Nails", the second movie is much more scaled. The acting troupe has considerably grown and the main characters are given much less attention. The action takes place in the apartments of the characters, the night club, in dreams, and the other side of reality. Huge technical superiority over the debut work is very noticeable. However, the plot and the concept considerably narrows down the audience. Despite the advantages of the second movie, both films carry out a strong atmosphere and originality, which are the main attributes of the director, Iskanov.
A one hour "Making of" documentary is available as a bonus feature on the DVD, which helps to discover more interesting details about the movie and the process of shooting. Some of the humor and shocking details may surprise some viewers. The fully completed idea of the film will put everything in place for the audience who may have lost some of the subject line. Besides a documentary film, the gallery of photos and an excellent soundtrack, in the style of early Carpenter and the cult Xtro are available to enjoy.
"Visions of Suffering" is a quality independent movie, with an original plot and excellent direction. If you enjoyed watching movies like Eraserhead, Dream Demon, El Topo, Holy Mountain, Liquid Sky and the debut film by Iskanov, it's most likely you will enjoy the second film. I strongly recommend not to wasting time watching the working version of "Angst", which can be found in cult cinema fans collections and on the Internet. This version has a poor quality sound, picture, a large amount of cut out scenes, and will only spoil your impression of the movie. Wait for the official release that's coming out soon.
Film: 4 of 5
Accompanied by the actions of the executor, the nightmare replaces reality. This process is illustrated well in the scenes at the night club, which represents an absolutely independent world with it's own rules and charters. After fierce attack by the conqueror on the club, they are forced to give up. Some sort of struggle between two dark forces, reality with non-existence. Demonstration of the night life in the club before the attack of the darkness is a little stretched in time. This causes a feeling that the movie is cut in the middle of the plot. As for the rest of the story, the action speeds up and doesn't give any time for the viewer to get bored all the way to the final credits.
The special effects and the make-up of the actors are of a very high level. The dreams of the protagonist and the former priest (Andrey Iskanov) are done especially well. Some great cutting (montage), and soundtrack by Aleksandr Shevchenko make these scenes some of the best in the film, putting Andrey in favorable position among the majority of his colleagues in this genre. Despite the absence of theatrical education, the actors managed to perform their roles admirably.
Negative characters, in Sviatoslav Iliasov execution, have especially distinguished: a phantom knocking on shaman's tambourine, and efficiently mowing (down) everything on the way mutant. In a role of ominous "executor" successfully debuted Igor Orlov.
Even though "Visions of Suffering" is a very scary and decadent movie, it isn't a classical horror film. Despite the of presence of severe and colorful murders, the director did not try to create an atmosphere of horror or to shock the audience with uncompromising scenes. Accurate to the limits, Andrey demonstrates to the viewer a reality full of terrible characters, and it's other side; incomprehensible and mystical, that has no logical explanation. I would say, that result of the work of the film-making troupe has become qualitative surrealistic cinema without the unfortunate claim of a horror movie.
Unlike "Nails", the second movie is much more scaled. The acting troupe has considerably grown and the main characters are given much less attention. The action takes place in the apartments of the characters, the night club, in dreams, and the other side of reality. Huge technical superiority over the debut work is very noticeable. However, the plot and the concept considerably narrows down the audience. Despite the advantages of the second movie, both films carry out a strong atmosphere and originality, which are the main attributes of the director, Iskanov.
A one hour "Making of" documentary is available as a bonus feature on the DVD, which helps to discover more interesting details about the movie and the process of shooting. Some of the humor and shocking details may surprise some viewers. The fully completed idea of the film will put everything in place for the audience who may have lost some of the subject line. Besides a documentary film, the gallery of photos and an excellent soundtrack, in the style of early Carpenter and the cult Xtro are available to enjoy.
"Visions of Suffering" is a quality independent movie, with an original plot and excellent direction. If you enjoyed watching movies like Eraserhead, Dream Demon, El Topo, Holy Mountain, Liquid Sky and the debut film by Iskanov, it's most likely you will enjoy the second film. I strongly recommend not to wasting time watching the working version of "Angst", which can be found in cult cinema fans collections and on the Internet. This version has a poor quality sound, picture, a large amount of cut out scenes, and will only spoil your impression of the movie. Wait for the official release that's coming out soon.
Film: 4 of 5