This film is an enigmatic work of art. Yes, this is "art." At the end of the day, that's something that can be said of it for certain. Regardless, some consider it a masterpiece. Some consider it "bottom of the barrel." Some don't know what to think of it. And I find myself falling into that last camp to an extent.
From Co-Director Fred Vogel comes "August Underground's Mordum." The second in a trilogy of absolute extreme-horror. A trilogy that doesn't just test the taboo and "distasteful"- they literally skip past those barriers with a demented glee and joy that is almost absolutely admirable.
The film is presented as the home-movies of a group of serial killers, and follows them through a plethora of events and occurrences. Everything from random clips of the daily lives, to disgusting displays of torture as they mutilate, molest and murder their victims. Often in ways so explicit and cruel, I don't think I can accurately describe them here without A) going into "spoiler" territory and B) violating some terms and conditions of this site.
When I first saw the film, I was repulsed. I was upset. I was angry. In sheer rage, I made every effort to speak down about it, insult it and try and dissuade others from seeing it. Yet, as I looked back with an analytical eye, and gave it a second viewing, I found myself having a change of heart. The purpose behind this film, at least from a base, simplistic analysis, is to disturb the viewer. Enrage the viewer. Even HURT the viewer. And my initial reaction of revulsion and anger actually made sense. I was feeling what appears to be the intended feeling behind this work.
So... that means it worked. By god, every negative feeling this gave me was by very design. Thus, this film was a success. And for its aspirations and goals... it was actually GOOD.
However, I am still conflicted. Because despite fundamentally succeeding, this film still does have several issues- both practically and artistically, that hold it back.
Without saying too much, you can often tell that the events therein are staged, and some elements do come off as fake. In addition, though it succeeds in its goal to disturb, I do think that it could be argued that the film is shallow in a way. True, I often do admire films that others feel are "shallow" (stupid comedies and action movies, for example), yet here, this is a slightly bigger issue due to a lack of story, development, etc. Yes, the film might have its agenda (to disturb and distress and frighten the viewer, in this case), but that doesn't mean it shouldn't attempt to be "more" than that agenda.
And so, I find myself conflicted. It achieves what it sets out to do. But what it sets out to do isn't necessarily interesting or extraordinary enough to make it "special."
However, that criticism being said, I do think this film does show talent and a potential for much better work. And I will definitely keep my eyes open for Vogel and the gang's future work. Because I do think they are capable of producing something that could potentially be considered a "classic" of the horror genre. And in fact, with some more thought, this could have been that film. They just haven't quite hit that mark.
I am giving this an average 6 out of 10. This is for EXTREMELY limited audiences, but those who can stomach it might very well enjoy it. (And I would not recommend this film to those under the age of 21. I know it's probably technically for ages 18+, but I do think that anyone under 21 is probably too young for its content.)
From Co-Director Fred Vogel comes "August Underground's Mordum." The second in a trilogy of absolute extreme-horror. A trilogy that doesn't just test the taboo and "distasteful"- they literally skip past those barriers with a demented glee and joy that is almost absolutely admirable.
The film is presented as the home-movies of a group of serial killers, and follows them through a plethora of events and occurrences. Everything from random clips of the daily lives, to disgusting displays of torture as they mutilate, molest and murder their victims. Often in ways so explicit and cruel, I don't think I can accurately describe them here without A) going into "spoiler" territory and B) violating some terms and conditions of this site.
When I first saw the film, I was repulsed. I was upset. I was angry. In sheer rage, I made every effort to speak down about it, insult it and try and dissuade others from seeing it. Yet, as I looked back with an analytical eye, and gave it a second viewing, I found myself having a change of heart. The purpose behind this film, at least from a base, simplistic analysis, is to disturb the viewer. Enrage the viewer. Even HURT the viewer. And my initial reaction of revulsion and anger actually made sense. I was feeling what appears to be the intended feeling behind this work.
So... that means it worked. By god, every negative feeling this gave me was by very design. Thus, this film was a success. And for its aspirations and goals... it was actually GOOD.
However, I am still conflicted. Because despite fundamentally succeeding, this film still does have several issues- both practically and artistically, that hold it back.
Without saying too much, you can often tell that the events therein are staged, and some elements do come off as fake. In addition, though it succeeds in its goal to disturb, I do think that it could be argued that the film is shallow in a way. True, I often do admire films that others feel are "shallow" (stupid comedies and action movies, for example), yet here, this is a slightly bigger issue due to a lack of story, development, etc. Yes, the film might have its agenda (to disturb and distress and frighten the viewer, in this case), but that doesn't mean it shouldn't attempt to be "more" than that agenda.
And so, I find myself conflicted. It achieves what it sets out to do. But what it sets out to do isn't necessarily interesting or extraordinary enough to make it "special."
However, that criticism being said, I do think this film does show talent and a potential for much better work. And I will definitely keep my eyes open for Vogel and the gang's future work. Because I do think they are capable of producing something that could potentially be considered a "classic" of the horror genre. And in fact, with some more thought, this could have been that film. They just haven't quite hit that mark.
I am giving this an average 6 out of 10. This is for EXTREMELY limited audiences, but those who can stomach it might very well enjoy it. (And I would not recommend this film to those under the age of 21. I know it's probably technically for ages 18+, but I do think that anyone under 21 is probably too young for its content.)