Repulsion

In 1965, Roman Polanski released his psychological thriller masterpiece, "Repulsion". This film was not only a breakthrough for Polanski but also for cinema as a whole. The movie tells the story of Carol, a young woman who is left alone in her sister's apartment for a few days. As her solitude deepens, she begins to experience hallucinations and disturbing visions. Her mental state spirals out of control, and the audience is left questioning what is real and what is not. "Repulsion" is a film that explores the depths of the human psyche, and its impact on audiences still resonates today.

One of the main arguments that will be covered in this post is the portrayal of female sexuality in the film. Carol's character is often seen as a victim of male desire, and her mental breakdown can be interpreted as a response to the patriarchal society she lives in. Additionally, the use of surreal imagery and sound design creates an unsettling atmosphere that heightens the psychological horror. The film's innovative camera techniques and editing also contribute to its impact and influence on future filmmakers.

"Repulsion" is a film that challenges its audience's perceptions of reality and explores the darker aspects of the human mind. It raises questions about the nature of sanity and the effects of isolation on the psyche. As such, it is a film that is still relevant today, more than 50 years after its release. This post will delve into the themes and techniques used in "Repulsion", examining its impact on cinema and its enduring legacy. If you are a fan of psychological horror or simply interested in the evolution of cinema, then "Repulsion" is a film that you cannot afford to miss.

I'm sure you will also enjoy the following films:

As a huge fan of cinema, I was really excited to watch "Black Swan" when it was first released in 2010. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this psychological thriller stars Natalie Portman as a ballerina named Nina Sayers who is cast as the lead in a new production of "Swan Lake".

Plot Summary

The movie begins with Nina, a shy and introverted ballerina, auditioning for the lead role in a new production of "Swan Lake". She is chosen by the director, Thomas Leroy (played by Vincent Cassel), to play the role of the Swan Queen. However, he tells her that she needs to find her dark side to play the Black Swan, which is the evil twin of the Swan Queen.

As Nina tries to find her dark side, she becomes more and more unstable. She starts to have hallucinations and delusions, and she becomes obsessed with perfection. Her relationship with her mother (played by Barbara Hershey) is strained, and she also develops a rivalry with another ballerina named Lily (played by Mila Kunis).

Strong Points

One of the strongest aspects of "Black Swan" is the incredible performance by Natalie Portman. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in this movie, and it's easy to see why. Her portrayal of Nina is both fragile and intense, and she really captures the character's descent into madness.

Another strong point of the movie is the cinematography. The use of close-ups and handheld camera work really helps to create a sense of claustrophobia and unease. The movie also has a very distinctive visual style, with a lot of dark and moody lighting.

Weak Points

One of the weak points of the movie is that some of the plot points feel a bit contrived. For example, Nina's relationship with her mother feels a bit forced, and Lily's character isn't developed enough to make her rivalry with Nina feel truly meaningful.

Another weak point of the movie is that it can be a bit heavy-handed at times. The themes of perfectionism and obsession are hammered home a bit too much, and some of the symbolism (such as the use of mirrors) feels a bit obvious.

Overall Impressions

Despite its flaws, I really enjoyed "Black Swan". It's a visually stunning movie with an incredible performance by Natalie Portman. The movie explores some interesting themes, such as the pressure to be perfect and the toll that it can take on a person's mental health. It's not a perfect movie, but it's definitely worth watching for anyone who is a fan of psychological thrillers.

Cast

Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder.

Personal Opinion

As someone who loves movies, I think "Black Swan" is a really interesting and well-made film. It's not a movie that everyone is going to enjoy, as it can be quite intense and disturbing at times. However, for those who are willing to dive into the world of Nina Sayers and her descent into madness, it's a rewarding and thought-provoking experience. I would definitely recommend giving it a watch if you're a fan of psychological thrillers.

I recently watched the 2014 horror film, "The Babadook," and I have to say that it was quite the experience. The movie, directed by Jennifer Kent, follows the story of a single mother named Amelia, who is struggling to raise her son, Samuel, after her husband's death. Samuel is convinced that there is a monster named Babadook who is trying to kill them, and as the movie progresses, Amelia starts to believe that there might be some truth to his claims.

Plot and Summary

The movie starts off slow and steady, introducing us to the characters and their situation. We see how Amelia is struggling to cope with her grief and how Samuel's behavior is causing her to lose her patience. However, things start to get spooky when Samuel finds a mysterious book called "Mister Babadook" in their house. The book tells the story of a monster who torments its victims until they let him in, and soon enough, Samuel becomes convinced that the Babadook is after them.

As the movie progresses, we see Amelia's mental state deteriorating as she starts to see and hear things that aren't there. She becomes increasingly violent towards Samuel, and it's not clear whether it's because of the Babadook or her own inner demons. The climax of the movie is intense and will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Impressions and Strong/Weak Points

Overall, I thought that "The Babadook" was a well-made horror movie. The cinematography was excellent, and the use of shadows and darkness created a sense of unease throughout the movie. The acting was also top-notch, with Essie Davis delivering a standout performance as Amelia.

One of the strongest points of the movie was its exploration of grief and trauma. The Babadook can be seen as a metaphor for the emotions that Amelia is struggling to deal with, and the movie does a great job of showing how these emotions can spiral out of control if left unchecked.

However, one weak point of the movie was its pacing. The first half of the movie is quite slow, and it takes a while for the horror elements to come into play. Some viewers might find the slow buildup frustrating, but I think it was necessary to establish the characters and their situation.

Personal Opinion

Overall, I would definitely recommend "The Babadook" to horror movie fans. It's a well-crafted movie that will leave you thinking about it long after the credits roll. The movie's exploration of grief and trauma is what makes it special and sets it apart from other horror movies. The movie's cast is also top-notch, with Essie Davis delivering one of the best performances of her career. If you're in the mood for a creepy and thought-provoking horror movie, "The Babadook" is definitely worth a watch.

The Tenant (1976) Review: A Psychological Horror Masterpiece

The Tenant is a psychological horror movie directed by the legendary filmmaker, Roman Polanski, who also stars in the lead role. The movie was released in 1976 and is based on a novel by Roland Topor. The Tenant is a fascinating and unsettling movie that explores themes of identity, paranoia, and mental breakdowns.

Plot Summary:

The Tenant follows the story of Trelkovsky, a Polish immigrant who rents an apartment in Paris. Trelkovsky soon becomes obsessed with the previous tenant, Simone Choule, who committed suicide by jumping out of the window. As Trelkovsky becomes more obsessed with Simone's life, he begins to unravel and loses touch with reality. He starts to believe that the other tenants in the building are conspiring against him, and he becomes convinced that he will meet the same fate as Simone.

Impressions:

The Tenant is a masterclass in psychological horror filmmaking. Polanski's direction is flawless, and he creates a haunting and oppressive atmosphere throughout the movie. The movie is shot in a claustrophobic style that adds to the feeling of unease and paranoia. The cast is excellent, and Polanski delivers a standout performance as Trelkovsky. The supporting cast, including Isabelle Adjani and Melvyn Douglas, are also outstanding.

Strong Points:

The Tenant is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. The movie is a slow burn, and Polanski takes his time building tension and creating a sense of dread. The movie is beautifully shot, and the use of color and light is superb. The movie's themes of identity and mental breakdowns are explored in a nuanced and thought-provoking way.

Weak Points:

The Tenant is not a movie for everyone. The slow pace and the lack of action may put off some viewers. The movie is also quite dark and disturbing, and some scenes may be hard to watch.

Final Thoughts:

The Tenant is a movie that is not easy to forget. Polanski's direction is masterful, and the movie is a haunting and unsettling work of art. The movie's themes of identity, paranoia, and mental breakdowns are explored in a nuanced and thought-provoking way. The Tenant is a must-see for fans of psychological horror movies and is a true masterpiece of the genre.

"The Skin I Live In" is a 2011 Spanish psychological thriller directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The movie stars Antonio Banderas as Dr. Robert Ledgard, a brilliant plastic surgeon who is obsessed with creating a new type of skin that can withstand any kind of damage.

Plot

The movie follows the story of Dr. Ledgard, who is haunted by the tragic death of his wife, who was burned in a car accident. He becomes obsessed with creating a new type of skin that can withstand any kind of damage, and he uses a young woman named Vera (Elena Anaya) as his test subject.

As the movie progresses, we learn that Vera is actually a prisoner in Dr. Ledgard's home and that she has undergone a series of surgeries to transform her into a replica of the doctor's deceased wife. The movie takes many twists and turns, with several unexpected revelations that keep the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Impressions

"The Skin I Live In" is a visually stunning movie that is a testament to Pedro Almodóvar's talent as a filmmaker. The cinematography is beautiful, with many shots that are both haunting and beautiful. The story is intricate and complex, with several layers that are slowly revealed throughout the movie.

The movie is definitely not for everyone, as it deals with some very dark subject matter. There are several scenes of graphic violence and sexual assault that may be triggering for some viewers. However, if you can handle the content, "The Skin I Live In" is a fascinating and thought-provoking movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Strengths

One of the strongest aspects of "The Skin I Live In" is the performances of the cast. Antonio Banderas gives a chilling and nuanced performance as Dr. Ledgard, and Elena Anaya is excellent as Vera. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the most intense in the movie.

The movie also benefits from excellent production design and a haunting score that perfectly captures the mood of the film.

Weaknesses

One of the weaknesses of "The Skin I Live In" is that it can be difficult to follow at times. The movie jumps back and forth in time, and it can be challenging to keep track of what is happening. Additionally, some of the plot twists may be too predictable for some viewers, which can take away from the impact of the story.

Overall, "The Skin I Live In" is a fascinating and visually stunning movie that is not for the faint of heart. If you can handle the dark subject matter, it is definitely worth a watch.

"American Psycho" is a psychological thriller movie released in the year 2000, directed by Mary Harron and based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. The movie stars Christian Bale, who gives an outstanding performance as the lead character, Patrick Bateman.

Plot Summary

The movie is set in the 1980s and follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer. Bateman is obsessed with his physical appearance, his wealth, and his social status, and he spends his days at work and his nights indulging in drugs, alcohol, and murder.

As the movie progresses, Bateman becomes more and more unstable, and he begins to lose touch with reality. He tries to confess his crimes to his friends and colleagues, but no one believes him, and he eventually realizes that he may never be caught for his crimes.

Impressions

"American Psycho" is a disturbing and thought-provoking movie that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. The movie is dark and unsettling, and it explores themes such as greed, power, and the corrupting influence of wealth and status.

One of the strongest points of the movie is the performance of Christian Bale, who completely immerses himself in the role of Patrick Bateman. Bale's performance is chilling and nuanced, and he perfectly captures the character's arrogance, detachment, and growing sense of madness.

Another strong point of the movie is its direction and cinematography. Mary Harron does an excellent job of bringing the world of "American Psycho" to life, and she uses a variety of visual techniques to create a sense of unease and tension throughout the movie.

Weaknesses

One of the weaknesses of the movie is its pacing. At times, the movie can feel slow and repetitive, and some viewers may find themselves losing interest in the story.

Another weakness of the movie is its graphic violence. The movie contains several scenes of brutal violence and gore, and some viewers may find these scenes difficult to watch.

Final Thoughts

Overall, "American Psycho" is a challenging and thought-provoking movie that is not for the faint of heart. The movie explores complex themes and features a standout performance from Christian Bale. While the movie is not without its flaws, it is a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and dark dramas.