Not soppy romcoms or teenage drivel, I want the most sulking, Lynchnian, Bela Tarr-style level of abandoned hopelessness and misery. Please recommend things that are designed to be as emotionally exhausting and damaging to your psyche as possible. Thanks and god bless.
sharemysterious skin
shareBastard out of Carolina (1996) - the then 11 year old Jena Malone as Bone the victim of physical and sexual abuse. I have the DVD but I've only watched it once.
Sophie's Choice (1982)
share..... Ironweed
shareGarage (2007) directed by Lenny Abrahamson
If anyone ends up watching this, I'm sorry in advance
Dang. Me and a horror movie friend call those “soul crushers.” Since I lean that way, I’ll try to separate out the horror stuff that shows extreme violence and/or gore. These may or may not make you cry, but these have made me feel like I needed a shower afterwards:
Snowtown (2011)
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)
Funny Games (1997 or 2007) - I find the original German version more effective, as I don’t recognize any actors. Haneke has made several soul crushers.
Less emphasis on horror:
Gummo (1997)
Come and See (1985)
We call them "soul tormentors". :D
shareNo Place Like Home (1989)
shareIrreversible (92) was extremely sad and disturbing. It has a rape scene which just goes on and on, there are a couple of other violent assaults as well and the final reveal is a heartbreaker.
It was a skillfully made movie and I admired the script and acting very much but I’ve never watched it again.