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Antichrist (2009)
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Movie Review by Xavier
August 9th, 2009
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May Put You Off Sex
Favorite Movie Quote: "Chaos Reigns"
For the first time ever, upon purchasing my tickets I was subjected to my first verbal cinematic disclaimer. Seriously, if you were asked if violence, masturbation, penetrative sex and self harm were an issue, surely it would merely pique your interest. No surprise really, this is the film that caused a stir at the last Cannes film festival, with reviews swinging between utter genius and abject disgust.
Lots can be said about this film. Lots can also be unsaid also, much like the film itself; I did get the feeling I had read the last third of a novel, I still find myself frowning at trees and eyeing pigeons suspiciously, without actually knowing why. There are a few points that I do feel the need to bring up, in case you were needing any clarification.
This film is shot beautifully. Really pretty. Von Trier certainly has an artistic eye and a remarkably clever set of ears too. Want some clichéd adjectives? Atmospheric, tense and erm... wonderment? Although I did find the use of 'blank noise' a little annoying at times, y'know, a wall of bass that can shake your ribcage, and not in a nice way. The opening sequence, a slow-mo, black and white, almost-montage is very affecting – can you hold your breath for five minutes?
Dafoe and Gainsbourg are pretty good, I say pretty good, if you want a valid reason for watching this film then the performances of the leads will do. I would like to think that they had a better understanding of what was going on than say the average viewer. Charlotte Gainsbourg* was awarded best actress at Cannes for this, and although her performance is very very good, I'm not sure if crying, wailing and shouting 'you bastard' a lot (and I mean a lot!) really warranted such an accolade. Personally I thought Dafoe was a smidge better.
The real point of debate is the question of genre. Antichrist has been blindly tossed in the horror pile and if you are a fan of slashers, gore fests and mutant serial killers you will be severely disappointed. Sure, there a certainly moments of sheer horror but they are sparsely littered around swathes of slow moving scene setting. This is simply NOT a horror movie.
I suppose the whole point is to make you think. I have spent a considerable amount of time pondering the emotional states of grief, pain and despair since viewing this film, as well as the unfathomable questions of why, what and huh?
Many of Von Trier's critics accuse him of self-indulgence and pretension. I however did not feel that. This really is not the sort of film I would usually go to the cinema for and I really don't think I'll be rushing out to buy it once it is released for the home. I do strongly believe that this film is definitely worth watching, I would love it if more people were exposed to Antichrist simply to help me figure out the whys, what's and the inevitable huhs! It is also worth viewing for the imaginative uses of hammers, wrenches and scissors as sex 'toys'.
*It is worth noting that I am big CG fan, she is a kooky lady. In this she is a kooky naked lady.
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 | BillyBob
Aug 9, 2009 9:39 PM
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Hey Xavier -
Welcome back to Matchflick. It's been a while since you've posted any reviews. And it looks like you've really picked a 'winner'(?) this time.
Is this flick not just something that's trying to outdo and out-gross the horror of The Exorcist? Like, are we talking about demon-possession here? Does this film actually provide us with reasonable answers that The Exorcist didn't?
Anyways, hope to see more of your reviews in the future. |
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Aug 10, 2009 11:38 AM
The answer to your query is a simple no. Or at least I don't think so, if I am completely honest. There is plenty of metaphor and hints at witchcraft but I think one of the themes is the nature of Nature. I know, I know - this makes no sense, I'd certainly be interested in hearing your take.
Aug 10, 2009 9:18 PM
By what you've told me above, it sounds like this film's title is somewhat misleading. I guess I'll just have to see the thing for myself before I can form any real opinions.