Igor-18

I don't think the movie could be anything less than 160 minutes--it would be a completely different film. I think that's the difference between a mood-oriented film (like this one) and a plot oriented film. There isn't too much of a plot, but that isn't the point.

Personally, I find Tarkovsky's films spell-binding (and I have a short attention span!), and cherish the opportunity to just immerse myself in a different world for a few hours.

Also, I find his films fascinating for the simple fact they were Soviet-made, and come from a different cultural perspective. I've read that Tarkovsky had problems with the Soviet censors.

Fassbinder's genius is making you feel as trapped and desperate as Elvira, you really feel empathy for the character. Only the visit with her family is there a brief respite from her pain. Kudos for Fassbinder for his good taste in using Suicide's "Frankie Teardrop" on the soundtrack--a song about a man who feels trapped, but directs his anger outward, rather than inward, like Elvira.

Only, repeat, only watch this movie if you are a masochist. This is not a "so bad it's good" kind of movie. This is a "so bad it will make you feel dirty and ashamed" kind of movie. Thank you, Ross Hagen, for having the courage to put your sadistic fantasies of rape and torture on the silver screen.