MovieChat Forums > Only God Forgives (2013) Discussion > why i think the torture scene works

why i think the torture scene works

posted 10 years ago by no-one-really
5 replies | jump to latest

a lot of people feel the torture scene went too far, they say it should have stopped after Chang stabbed the guy in the legs, at this point while watching the film, i was actually thinking "is that it? i was expecting a lot more from the Refn, maybe his talent for violence is waining a little, given how extreme he usually is". then he stabbed the guy in the eyes and ear then it cuts away, that's what i've heard people say went too far but when that happened i thought to myself "ah, that's more like it".

if the torture scene made you feel uncomfortable or distressed or disturbed, then honestly it sounds like the scene did its job perfectly, criticising a torture scene for making you uncomfortable is like criticising a dinner scene for making you hungry.

but that's just my thoughts on the whole thing.

[–] cody_lightning 10 years ago

i think even initially i only watched it through my fingers and let my friend give me the clear.

he is torturing him, and it's uncomfortable, yes. i think the whole picture has this really weird air of anything can happen, i can't say i found it enjoyable, but it was certainly ... focused on itself.

[–] RaidenPLS 10 years ago

I like the sensually-inviting setting in which the torture scene takes place: pretty pastel pink walls diffused with soft blue light. It's like a dreamy oriental seraglio with pink flowers everywhere (roses, if I remember correctly). The pink, floral imagery dominating the space is clearly vaginal, though the blue light suggests bruises and physical violation. The action is flanked by a circle of innocent young girls in baroque, hyper-feminine fabrics and make up--adult sexuality has been imposed upon them. Situating barbaric brutality against delicate femininity, the aesthetic contrasts are perverse. The scene is presented as an epic battle between Chang and Crystal's lackey over the sexual fate of these young girls. If the violence seems excessive, consider the stakes...

I also love that Chang instructs the girls to close their innocent eyes before he proceeds. Such a tender, paternalistic display of chivalry offers a subtle piece of insight into his character. His conservative morality strikes us as slightly anachronistic. Chang sees these young girls (presumably sex slaves) as fundamentally innocent and pure. He doesn't want to breach their feminine decorum by exposing them to the violence and cruelty of the world.

It is an excellent, symbolically-rich scene.

And you will know my name is The Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee!

[–] Gene_Hackman 10 years ago

It was weird, yes, but it didn't bother me, and I'm not desensitized to all violence. What was weird about it was the fact that it wasn't benefitting anyone or teaching them to fly right. It all seemed pre-ordained.

[–] goodfor7days 10 years ago

Torture? I just saw a scene with an officer using, approved, "enhanced interrogation" techniques.

[–] MrBlondee 10 years ago

Same here.