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Reviews
Elephant (2003)
Absolutely Horrific (POSSIBLE SPOILERS)
"Elephant" is such a well-crafted piece. Certainly controversial, disturbing... these "influences" that are depicted are not at all extraordinary. A lot of teenagers (if not most teenagers) are into videogames, Military and/or Nazi-symbolism, war strategies, firearms and explosives. When I was in high-school there were certainly a lot of kids who were into these kinds of things. Also, a lot of teenagers (if not most teenagers) are struggling with issues of sexual identity and self-image. Finally, a lot of teenagers are either virtually ignored at home and/or in school, or are hated, taunted, abused. In fact, I think that's probably the scariest thing about the film. These are average kids, in an average school, in an average town, on an average day. Everything about "Elephant" is very ordinary. And like so much of what is disturbing in film, I feel compelled to investigate further, as if seeking some kind of answers. But the really frightening thing about "Elephant" is that it doesn't offer any answers. There are a dozen possible causes, but none that are unique to these kids. It is like a puzzle. "Here is a picture of the status quo: what's wrong with this picture?"
Confessione di un commissario di polizia al procuratore della repubblica (1971)
A Fascinating Discovery
This uncompromising look at power and corruption is fascinating. Although I had never heard of the film, the combination of cast, director, and subject matter piqued my curiosity, so I purchased a copy. I am glad I did. While this film is certainly not the most pleasant thing to watch, it does provide a daring insight into the corrupt world of crooked cops on the take and a mafia-controlled system which is frank and disturbing, and must have really been a shock to audiences in 1971. Fine performances and unflinching direction make this movie one which fans of the crime/cop-movie genre will not want to miss.
Quella villa accanto al cimitero (1981)
The Best Fulci By Far
"The House By The Cemetery (Quella villa accanto al cimitero)" is, by far, the best of Fucli's horror film. Any fan of Maestro Fulci's work, or of the horror genre in general must try to see this film.
Film fans who are familiar with Fulci's visual techniques and atmospheric elements will not be disappointed, as that "The House By The Cemetery" has all of the familiar elements (maggots, a zombi, foreboding omens galore), but the real difference here is in the film's perspective. The story is seen from a child's point of view, or at least is centered around a child's view. This is what makes this film such an excellent horror study. The most extreme horrors, the most fantastic fears, are allthemore real as viewed from a child's world. The classic fears of childhood are relentlessly forced upon the viewer.
When I first saw this film, in the cinema upon it's release, the film began before a packed crowd. By the end of the film, all but a few people had left, horrified or disgusted. The concession boy commented, as I was leaving the cinema, that he had not seen the film, but wondered what could be forcing that reaction. In every showing, he told me, audiences seemed to leave, shaken, before the climax of the film.
I merely smiled and said, "It is a very scary movie."
Day of the Woman (1978)
The horror of rape is graphically depicted.
This is not a fun film. This is not an easy film to watch. But this is certainly not a film without merit. The first half of this film takes the audience through a terrible descent into a hell most of us can only imagine. The horror of rape. And this film treats this subject with a frightening realism. No fancy lighting. No mood music hanging in the background. Simply, the horror of rape. The horror of having one's life violated in the most unspeakably vile manner imaginable. That is the purpose of this film. This film does not want to entertain. It wants to repulse. And it succeeds! This film is as sickening as the rape it depicts. Why make a film like this? One might jump to the conclusion that the film was aimed at the prurient interests of perverts who enjoy viewing the degradation and violation of women. But that is an unfair conclusion. This is a film with a purpose. A message. And this film seems to be carefully designed to send that message loud and clear to every viewer: RAPE IS A TRULY HORRIBLE CRIME! Horrible beyond what most of us could ever imagine.