[News] A Serbian Film (UK) in January - Page 3

sleep4ever · 06-01-2011, 19:08

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/47938

Harry lists it in his top 10 films of the year

Didnt see that coming...

Johnny Vodka · 06-01-2011, 20:15

Must admit, having slagged off this film for what I've read of its content, I just watched the trailer and it looks better made and more intriguing than I'd expected... Still, not sure I could sit through an uncut version, though. And I tend to think you should either have the balls to watch the uncut version or not watch a film at all (unless it's actual illegal activity that's been snipped). I think Cannibal Holocaust is the only film I've ever wanted to see the cut version of.

Psycho · 07-01-2011, 10:18

I watched almost all of this the other day. I would have watched it all the way through but I wasn't able to and will have to finish it another day... this had nothing to do with the content of the film.

It was an interesting film. Not something you'd say you enjoyed but I'd say that same about Requiem For a Dream, which I love as a film but can only watch it with a few years gap between viewings. The next time I see that will be when I pick up the Blu-Ray. Then it will sit on my shelf for a few years.

I think I missed the last 15-20mins of A Serbian Film, which I think is where all the 'good' bits are. I'd recommend the film to friends and would lend them it to watch, maybe with a warning.

I'd love to hear what the actors thought about the film. I'm not an actor but if someone gave me a script/synopsis for this film I'm not sure if I'd take it on. I wonder what made them go ahead with it? Either way, the actors did a good job.

I won't say too much as I've yet to see the whole film but I'm looking forward to finishing it.

Psycho

PS. Cannibal Holocaust was a lot harder to watch and something I don't think I'd even own or re-watch... even though I'm glad to have seen it.

Psycho · 07-01-2011, 16:03

Just finished watching it.

Now that I've seen it all I do think it's a good film. I'd probably have to give it a long time before watching it again. I think I wouldn't want to watch it with anyone but I would recommend it to others. It knocks films like Saw, Hostel, etc, out of the water. I was reminding me of Martyrs while watching it.

Love the music over the end credits.

Psycho

Johnny Vodka · 07-01-2011, 19:41

I thought Martyrs was an immensely brave, powerful and disturbing film, though not sure whether I liked it or not. I have a feeling I might catch up with this eventually. I can always avert my eyes at the worst bits, like I did with the head-mashing in Irreversible.

Sick films generally deserve a watch as long as (a) they have a story (no Guinea Pig films or just mock up snuff) and (b) they're made by someone competent. You can only really make up your own mind about stuff. Look at what some papers wrote about Crash at the time...

Is this a flick that could be seized by customs?

Just googled Kermode's opinion on this flick - amazed I hadn't though to till now, as I respect his opinion on this sort of thing. He didn't like it much.

Psycho · 07-01-2011, 20:04

I'm still trying to find a way to describe the film. I wouldn't say that it is any more violent or gory than... err... all I can think of is Bad Boys 2 (I thought that was quite violent and gory). If think it's more the subject of the violence and gore (sexual) that makes it a bit different and disturbing.

But I think everyone watching this film will know the subject before watching it. So, all that's left is the visual violence and gory, which we're all use to seeing.

So, if the subject matter bothers you, then don't watch it. But if you're just worried about the level of violence and gory, then it's probably no worse than another films you've seen... and probably not as realistic.

I'm sure this is the first time A Serbian Film has been compared to Bad Boys 2!

Psycho

Johnny Vodka · 07-01-2011, 20:12

Kermode seems to think it's broadly comparable to a Buttgereit (?) film. I remember watching Der Todesking (relatively easy) and Schramm (nails - penis

).

Psycho · 07-01-2011, 20:26

I don't really know enough about Serbia, so I'm not too sure if the film does have a social commentary, but this was on the IMDB:

Quote:

During the Q&A for the screening at the South by Southwest Film Festival, director and writer Srdjan Spasojevic described it as an angry response to Serbia's aggressive censorship laws. He said, "This is a diary of our own molestation by the Serbian government. We're giving this back to you." He also argued that the central theme of rape-murder has a point. "It's about the monolithic power of leaders who hypnotize you to do things you don't want to do. You have to feel the violence to know what it's about."

I'd be interested to hear more about this (as well as what the actors thought) but I've got a feeling it's got as much of a social commentary as Saw, Hostel, Martyrs, Bad Boys 2, etc.

Psycho

Psycho · 07-01-2011, 20:41

Some more details about what was cut from the UK release:

Psycho

LouBarlow · 07-01-2011, 21:34

Kermode has only seen the cut version so his opinion shouldn't be seen as definitive. It was certainly one of the most memorable films I saw last year.

Johnny Vodka · 07-01-2011, 21:59

Memorable isn't always good. some of my most memorable experiences have also been ****.

LouBarlow · 08-01-2011, 05:25

I thought it was good. Whatever.

DM · 08-01-2011, 09:53

Yeah, I liked it too.

Johnny Vodka · 08-01-2011, 09:56

So is it out anywhere uncut on DVD yet? And would customs seize if you tried to import it do you reckon?

DM · 08-01-2011, 09:58

download it like everyone else you fanny

Johnny Vodka · 08-01-2011, 10:06

I don't know enough about downloading stuff naughtily (and I'm not requesting). My broadband account doesn't allow for too much data. Would rather just wait and get a good quality official release, if I decide to watch it.