BigdaddyDave's Review

Summary - Good 3.0

Catherine Deneuve stars as a young manicurist who slips into a psychotic episode in the movie Repulsion. Shot in 1965, the film chronicles the unraveling world of a woman who seems to be confused and frightened by sex and relationships with men. As she plummets into madness, she becomes increasing distant and hostile towards men in her life, experiencing terrifying visions of sexual violence.

The movie, which was shot in black and white, was Director Roman Polanski’s first English language film. It has been considered by many to be a classic psychological thriller, and indeed, it creates an increasingly disturbing world, filled with violence and frightening images. But it also is very deliberate in it’s pacing. whereas today’s thrillers tend to be more direct and expedient in creating dramatic tension, Repulsion plays out slowly, almost painfully creating tension that bubbles over in the final 45 minutes. Interestingly, the movie’s subtle use of sounds (or silence in many cases) and images of common household items, such as a cooked rabbit, create most of the initial tension. Clever editing with these items highlights the creativeness of this film, so that when action does erupt on screen, it is almost overwhelming.

This was the first of Polanski’s “Apartment Trilogy” films, followed by Rosemary’s Baby. While I strongly oppose his personal life choices, I can see why he is considered a brilliant filmmaker.

Acting - Good 3.0

Catherine Deneuve is brilliant as the young woman slipping into madness. Others in the film come across as more wooden in their approach.

Film - OK 2.5

Edge - Risqué 2.2

Reality - Glib 1.9

2 Comments

• BigdaddyDave Jun 14, 2011 7:10AM

  Regarding BigdaddyDave’s Review
  That image would be enough to scare anyone!

• Wick Jun 13, 2011 7:43PM

  Regarding BigdaddyDave’s Review
  Great review BigD! Perhaps Deneuve’s visions included Dominique Strauss-Kahn coming out of a hotel bathroom.

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