Calvaire

This was the best film I saw at London's 2004 Frightfest, much better than the over-hyped but ultimately disappointing Haute Tension, the other French language horror entry.

Superficially this is the Belgian take on the "crazed hillbilly" sub-genre of Last House on the Left or Deliverance, but in it's mixture of horror and surreal humor this is closer to something like Roman Polanski's The Tenant. The portrait of an isolated society who lives without women is taken to its logical and often shocking extremes. There is a scene at the local bar which must rank among the strangest and most memorable set pieces in recent years. The film is very atmospheric and the cinematography is stunning. You can almost feel the chill of the winter forest it takes place in.

Hopefully Calvaire (it's English title was The Ordeal when I saw it) will get a proper release in English speaking territories, though I can see that this is a much more difficult sell than the derivative calling card exercise that was Haute Tension.

If you are like me and found this film alongside titles such as "Irreversible", "A Serbian Film", and "The Angels' Melanchlia" you will likely be dissapointed. This film is slow burning, yet offers a good story.

This film does have a dark side, and has been produced in an artistically dark manner. Between the stringy orchestras, strangely behaved townfolk, and mysterious protag. it is appealing in a creepy sort of way. But. unfortunately I feel it falls into the category of not "Extreme" but yet not "Hollywood horror" leaving it a smaller window of individuals who truly appreciate the film. Regardless, the plot is unique and though it has been done before this movie adds to the genre. 7/10, well done Bulgium.

At first view, a horror, At the second- story about basic instincts and about the small difference between human and beast. In fact, film about vanity, illusion and reality's ambiguous limit. In essence, a religious movie.

The values of Marc Stevens life are few, mediocre, ordinaries. Nothing very important, nothing special. Powerful taste of job, impressions, and memories of show. He is only shadow of a gray existence, boring and strong. Like many of us. His life's image is the image inside the car. The old lady is a spectator. The sentiments or the passion are not important. So, the punishment is a good solution to end a stupid dream of chimeric glory.

Bartel is, in same time, victim and master. His innocence is charming, his expectation - brave. For him the life has a precious sense and the rules are essence of life. A little man with decent desires. Ordinary people, sensitive and good.

The film is picture of an impact. The impact between two worlds, very different, cruels in special way, the only common element is the form and value of sin.

"Calvaire" presents the heart of world. The heart without glamor, lights, masks or shining skin. Without beautiful illusion and subtle gestures. It is not the wild life or new Lord of the Flies. It is not slice of community's madness. It is only essence of another reality. The reality of cruel gods and perfect faith.

Wow...the other review is nuts. This movie was fantastic!

I got a chance to thank the director (in french) after the film. The lighting was unbelievable, the acting was great, the directing was great, and the script was fantastic. Definitely not for the weak of stomach...pretty gory and painful at times, but let up with some hilarious moments (ie. the dance). They shot on super 16 which gave it an incredible grainy quality...very 1980s sci-fi/horror (which i liked). It was very dark with extremely high contrast, and some beautiful locations. The end seemed like a bit of a let-down at first, but the more i think about it the more i like it. (won't give it away though).

Suffice to say it was gorgeously shot, great cast/crew, and a interesting take on insanity and love. The director described it as a 'love story'...ermmm...yes? with a crucifixion...and pig buggery...

anyways, I would LOVE to see this get a release (without a re-edit), or at lest a distribution deal. It really deserves it.

-cheers,

claire

Saw this film as part of the Gala Opening for the Cinemuerte Horror Film Festival in Vancouver recently. I kinda knew what to expect from reading a description of the film before going in, but it still was quite the cinematic experience.

Suffice it to say, I'd be hard-pressed to recommend this film to anyone in my particular circle of friends (well, maybe a few), but the film had me mesmerized, and since I do enjoy dark cinema, I'd have to say I certainly enjoyed it for what it was. There were images and scenes in the film that stayed with me after, and it certainly had a noticeable effect on the audience attending. Some liked it. Some hated it. Some didn't enjoy the "pig squealing"...like one girl in the audience noted after the film had ended. (you'll understand more towards the latter-half of the film) Elements of "Deliverance", "Southern Comfort", "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" are all here, with more dark humour involved. Dark, very dark humour.

The cinematography was incredible. You've never seen the wilderness shot to look so menacing, yet maintaining a strange, dread-filled beauty. And yet it also seems endless, as if civilization is nowhere near where the events in the film take place. I unconsciously wrapped my arms around myself during the movie, from both the tension in the film, and from feeling I myself was out there in the chill of the woods.

I won't go into the plot-line, since a few others already have, but this film gives good credence to making sure that if you go driving in the country, your engine has had a recent tune-up, and you've got plenty of gas in the tank. AND to make sure you're cautious about the seeming kindness of strangers...