review by Julie Patron
Antichrist 2009
Watched Jun 09, 2012
Julie’s review:
Nope! Not even going to try to rate this one.
I think there may be some merit here, but this film was not for me and so I honestly don't even feel like diving into it (I started reading this Senses of Cinema article, and just gave up, I didn't even care). I didn't hate the film, but I thought that everything von Trier was trying to do (other than the horror), he ended up doing better in Melancholia. As a horror, I guess it works very well. As a film, personal choice, not so much. I'm not outraged, I'm not disgusted, I'm not offended, I just don't care.
I've been trying to get up the courage to watch this film for so long now but I can't seem to stomach myself watching it with all of the disgusting things I heard about it.
Hm. Aside from the genital mutilation, which is what I assume you're referring to, it's no worse than what you would see in any other slasher-style horror film. Even with the genital mutilation, I think it's still at the same level. Granted, the way in which the violence is framed and the way in which it is shot helps to heighten the visceral nature of the violence. But overall, I did not find the violence itself to be any more distasteful or disgusting than in one of those slasher films.
I am, however, not entirely convinced that the film wasn't actually (I don't think it was intentionally) misogynistic. But again, I don't really care that much to waste that many brain cycles trying to figure it out. If it was, to me I didn't feel like it was intentional, and I'm glad that Lars von Trier exists and does his crazy shit, so whatever.
Also, I think I watched this in the morning on one of the days I was sick (I did a bit of a marathon - 13 movies in 4 sick day!) and I think it was a good one to watch in the morning. For some reason I find it easier to watch difficult films in the morning (I watched Shame first thing after waking up one Sunday), but I think most people are the opposite =) Anyway, I look forward to your thoughts when you finally do watch it!
Ok then. If I get around to watching this, I might double feature this with Melancholia, a film I really want to see but have'nt had the time until recently.
Oooh, well, as you may or may not have noticed, or as I may or may not have said too many times, I love Melancholia =) Although from the little that I read, it sounds like Antichrist with Rosemary's Baby would be a good double feature.
Alright then. Loved Rosemary's Baby and it should be interesting watching it back to back with Antichrist.
I liked Antichrist, but that's because I tend to like films that are considered really messed up. I agree with Julie it's no worse than any other slasher flick it's just you don't generally see genital mutilation so it can be really shocking for some.
Melancholia was a mixed bag for me. I liked it but I found it a little slow and I think I wanted something more out of it. It's one I could see myself liking better after a repeat viewing.
Ron, what more can you want than THE NATURE OF ACTUAL HUMAN CONNECTION AND MEANINGFULNESS IN THE FACE OF THE END OF THE WORLD??? ;) ;) ;)
I think that those who were offended by Antichrist, because it aspired to "art" status but used the elements of "low" art, and who wouldn't bother to be offended by slasher films because they are beneath them, are full of shit.
I can agree with that.