Bernard Rose is back. After announcing to the world that film was dead and turning his back on the studios in order to make films the way he wanted (good on him I say), the last of the modern day auteurs latest genre effort, Snuff Movie hits DVD via Lionsgate after a theatrical run and, as ever, it is packed full of social commentary.
Taking its cue from the real-life tragedy which befell Roman Polanski (as well as a few more real life events – Alistar Campbell does Rodney King anyone?), Snuff Movie sees cult director Boris Arkadin (could he be modelled on Rose himself?) attempt to almost recreate the events that saw his wife and friends murdered and his unborn son cut from the womb.
Rose has much to say about violence, the media and audience expectations throughout his narrative but I fear it may be lost in translation so to speak, as anyone who isn’t clued up on society, media representations and current debates etc may find the film well…just plain weird.
Snuff Movie has a great cast and some awesome effects work present as well as some pretty graphic sex and nudity so casual viewers may still get a thrill.
OVERALL SUMMARY
Not as chilling as Paperhouse or Candyman but equally as intelligent and, I expect, misunderstood.
