A vagrant enters the lives of an arrogant upper-class family, turning their lives into a psychological nightmare in the process.A vagrant enters the lives of an arrogant upper-class family, turning their lives into a psychological nightmare in the process.A vagrant enters the lives of an arrogant upper-class family, turning their lives into a psychological nightmare in the process.
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- 12 wins & 22 nominations total
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Featured reviews
This is a dark and at the same time irresistible funny movie about them and us, inside and outside, reality versus imagination. It's about somewhat strangely organized hobo's who are invading a posh house and taking over a family. It's a great, great movie, with a pitch perfect production and a deeply disturbing - and therefore significant and meaningful - message. Every viewer will make up his own story about what takes place in the house that is at the central stage, and in the dark woods that surround it, but in the end it's like a Rembrandt: deep and dark with some light touches that make you laugh and remember what art and humanity are all about: to overcome fear.What's extremely good about this movie is that it will make your film brain spin: what's going to happen next?
Borgman is queer piece of cinema, challenging right form the off with the opening scenes of pursuit which point in a certain direction, but be prepared for your feelings to change as the story progresses. Writer / director Alex van Warmerdam's film bars very few holds, and yet it does not sensationalise increasingly troubling and occasionally brutal events, presenting them in a frank and open way, inviting the viewer to judge the participants and their respective fates. You would do well to prepare yourself to feel little sympathy for any of the characters, and yet there is something compelling about the spartan direction and the economy of the performances that will hold your attention to the end. Jan Bijvoet as the titular Camiel Borgman and Hadewych Minis as Marina are stand-outs, and deserve to be seen by a wider audience. One possible conclusion is that Warmerdam's script presents a black-and-white position in reaching a verdict, but in reality there are Lynchian levels of grey and plenty of scope for interpretation over a glass of wine (or two) afterwards. Well worth seeking out for those of a less delicate sensibility.
I think it's better than parasite though. And more dark and twisted for sure.
This film seemed to come out of nowhere, similar to the way Camille Borgman did. I am a long time fan of the horror/dark drama genre but a new member to IMDb. with that being said, I absolutely loved this film. I loved the darkness to Camille. What was with him living in the ground though? The movie never fell back on that fact nor did it have an explanation for it. I wouldn't say the viewing nature of this film is horror, but the concepts that the film holds are horror. The ideas are extremely dark and the violence is extreme. This is an atmospheric movie that sets quite the mood. It had me thinking about it for a few days after seeing it. It's one of the better movies I've seen this past year
Borgman is a prime example of the difference between Mainstream Hollywood and European Cinema. Movies that don't tie up loose ends and force feed the audience. Movies that pay respect to the intelligence of the viewer. Borgman never really explains anything during the movie which will put a lot of people off, but if you are prepared to look at the minor details, you will appreciate the film for what it is, a deeply psychological look at social classes and many other elements that will get the audience thinking and ultimately form a discussion. With some truly unsettling scenes being complimented by dry humour, Borgman gives off a certain charm that will captivate the viewer right through the two hour running time! Great acting performances along with some surreal images gives Borgman that unique and creative edge, within a world of movies that lack anything new!
Did you know
- TriviaAlthough never stated in the film, the behavior of Borgman closely resembles that of an "alp", a nightmare demon from German folklore.
- GoofsIn one of the first scenes when the kids go to bed, it's clearly bright outside and in the middle of the day. In the next scene it's night.
- Crazy creditsThe film opens with the caption: And they descended upon the earth to strengthen their ranks.
- ConnectionsFeatured in At the Movies: Cannes Film Festival 2013 (2013)
- SoundtracksLet's Call This
Written and performed by Thelonious Monk
Details
Box office
- Budget
- €3,100,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $57,474
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $5,317
- Jun 8, 2014
- Gross worldwide
- $1,052,010
- Runtime
- 1h 53m(113 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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