I thought this film was pretty atrocious - indeed, I view it with sympathy being a Norwegian film/not receiving an explosively large budget ---- but then again, it doesn't take a lot of money to make a GOOD movie -------- this movie was not good... it's violent and bizarre, but not GOOD ------- I rented it because I heard how "amazing" it was from countless Norwegian friends... but I was severely disappointed - it was pretentious and revolting... the explicit sex/violence fusion does not make up for weak writing ------ the acting of the male lead was passable - at times impressive... but the dialogue was extremely contrived/forced...
this was on the same level as "Villmark" which was equally disappointing --- it took itself far too seriously --- had it been more of a straight exploitation picture (along the lines of "Day of the woman") or fully embraced and celebrated the more grotesque thematic elements (necrophilia coupled with sadomasochism) instead of trying to hide behind a guise of pseudo-intellectuality / masquerading as a psychological thriller/character study -- and been a straight, honest, and sloppily horrendous gross-out horror ---- THEN it would have worked.....
but as is, it seems like the filmmakers were too eager to impress academics and film critics ---- infusing the picture with numerous references to highly revered masterpieces ("Rosemary's Baby" springs to mind) and not acknowledging the true essence of the film itself:
a graphic depiction of deranged sexuality and homicidal lunacy --------- to the filmmakers: If you wish to play with fire, I suggest diving in head-first -- don't obscure the brutality and perversion of the topic-matter with such a blatantly self-congratulatory style/approach ....
reveal in the schlock!! the Japanese and Italians are masters at this ---- I highly recommend Miike's "Bizita Q" as a darkly amusing, satisfying, and exceptionally disturbing alternative...
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leaspaas
19 years ago
Thank you!
Finally someone that agrees with me. I'm Norwegian and waited with anticipation for this movie. When the movie was over (after a mere 72 lousy minutes) I was shocked. I saw the great "twist" coming after about 35 minutes. The sex scene was surely different, but basically disgusting (I'm not opposed to either blood or sex in movies, but WTF?)
Only one word to describe it really: craptacular.
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Mr_Viking
18 years ago
I did also see the twist coming early in the movie, but I still liked it. I can't say I'm a big fan of violent sex, but I am a fan of films that are different, and a bit "on the edge". And since I didn't have much anticipations, I was left with a feeling that I just saw a pretty good film.
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Willtur
14 years ago
Im not a fan of blood and sex coupled either but the dialog and acting by the two women sealed it for me. I loved the way the stories were his own and they dialog they used were ones his girlfriend would use and how the sado scene tied into the injuries he suffered during the end, All the little details like that made the movie for me. I dont think they planned on making it a twist as people assume as much as him struggling to keep reality out. I am curious to hear what your opinion of a movie like Funny Games(german version)is? I onced watched requiem for a dream with a lady friend and she was disgusted by one scene that it ruined the movie for her. As far as the sado scene it just goes to show you the girl is so attractive they could have smeared crap on her and she would still be hot.
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