Noticias

Film has always been about illusion, or rather about projecting an illusion meant to fool the audience with a hopefully immersive experience. It’s all sleight of hand in the end, and a film’s success depends on the wits of the magician. But what happens when the illusion becomes real and crosses the line? This is a question raised by Effects (1980), a compelling treatise on snuff films, the responsibility of filmmakers, and where the line is drawn.

Made in 1979 by comrades in arms of George Romero, Effects was made for $55,000 but was never officially released except for a couple of one night screenings and festivals. It never even made it onto home video until decades later. Was the film deemed too taboo for the market? Hardly; some films just get lost in a mix of poor distribution and apathy. A pity then, as Effects has a lot to say about low budget,...