If you dare, check out the trailer and read my review, next...

On the DVD the director has chosen to provide a little introduction to the film, and boy, does he not have a cheery outlook on life. He's obviously quite pissed off that the BBFC enforced cuts to this film (4 minutes 12 seconds to be exact), but when I heard what that scene was, I'm not surprised it was cut. When watching the film, it's clear which segment has been removed, and I'm glad I didn't have to subject my eyes to that, as it's disturbing enough an idea without the visual. The director claims that this film is about challenging censorship, but I don't really see that. What it does do is challenge our beliefs in humanity, reducing people down to hate-filled meat bags with orifices.

Well, in the last act at least. The first third of the film is mind-crushingly dull, showing us the mundane life of Milos, sat at home watching his old porn tapes (which he has no problem showing to his young son). You might expect some titillation from this, but we're just watching a man, watching himself have sex. This may say something about the voyeuristic nature of cinema, but if it does I'm sure it was an accident.

I'm still unsure as to how much artistic merit this film carries. It may be able to provoke debate, but it's just as likely to incite violence. I don't want to get all Daily Mail on you, but you have to wonder about the creative minds behind this film. This would be an interesting film to watch in a Film Studies class, but I'd wager is just too unpalatable to find a large audience.
A Serbian Film definitely manages to disturb and disgust the viewer, but I can't say I left the experience with a greater outlook on censorship. One thing's for sure, the BBFC were 100% right to demand cuts to the film. It's an experience like no other that tears open the boundaries of taste and decency, and must be the most damaging thing to happen to the Serbian tourism industry since Slobodan Milosevic.
Verdict
As much as I don't like this film I still feel it is one of the most fascinating movies released in 2010. No other film of that year can compare to what this film brings to the screen.
ReplyDelete"A Serbian Film is an incredibly powerful and thought-provoking movie. It's one of the most intense and disturbing films I've ever seen, and yet it manages to tell a very human story. troypoint review The DVD is of excellent quality and has some great extras, making it a great addition to any serious film collection!"
ReplyDeleteA Serbian Film is a profoundly effective and thought-provoking motion picture. It is one of the most extreme and unsettling films I have ever observed, and yet it figures out how to narrate an extremely human story. The DVD is of outstanding quality and contains some magnificent additional items, making it an extraordinary expansion to any genuine film library!
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