Carne

Well, I just finished watching Gaspar Noe's CARNE (1991), and now I have seen all of his movies. Not as many people know about Carne because it's a 35 minute short film, not a feature length film - BUT, his debut feature film I STAND ALONE is actually a direct continuation of what occurs in CARNE. Though I have known about I STAND ALONE since about 2003, I didn't hear about CARNE until this year. I actually think CARNE is superior to I STAND ALONE - because of the short runtime it's paced very quickly and features more of Gaspar's stylish cutting and editing. It is thoroughly entertaining, while I STAND ALONE is more a slow-burning, icky-feeling build to a wretched climax that will make pretty much everyone feel like they need to take a shower afterwards.

Any way, this movie is very good. Probably one of the best short films I have ever seen. The singular style is turned up to 10. The performances are on point. And the dialogue, subject matter, and some of the visuals are immensely jarring. Though I STAND ALONE is not a movie I would ever recommend to anyone (because of the sickening subject matter), I suggest that for those who are interested, do not watch I STAND ALONE without seeing CARNE first. They should be watched in sequence, just as one should watch something like KILL BILL Vol. 1 and 2.

Now that I've seen all of Gaspar Noe's films... I would rank them in this order...

ENTER THE VOID > IRREVERSIBLE > CLIMAX > CARNE > LOVE > I STAND ALONE

This was my first Gaspar Noe movie I've watched and I have to say I was shocked. I don't mind gore in generally, but this isn't even gore , it's real butchering. For some of you a couple of scenes may be impossible to see and I mean really disgusting. Leaving aside these aspects, the main ideas revealed here and the dialog are quite brilliant. When you are given a strong argument against bringing a new life into the world and the manner in which it is given, you can't stop and take a minute to think about it. The actors did their job well, representing general masks of a handpick few people found at the bottom of a diseased society. The movie is full of metaphors, but I'll let you figure them out. Don't watch it if you want to have a lite, relaxing time. I recommend this movie to all those of you who want something to think about or simply watch something different of what you find in your average cinema.

A nameless horse butcher, whose wife left him soon after their mute daughter was born, operates his own business while trying to raise the daughter.

Deliberately dark, bleak and troubling drama certainly knows how to bring its audience at unease, but definitely worth a watch.

It's a crazy film with some very difficult scenes to watch. The most shocking to be is when they slaughter a horse. I honestly found those scenes very disturbing. "I Stand Alone" is a sequel to this film with the same actors. Both are good watches but be warned, they will challenge your senses.