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jackhammer · 01-30-2009, 11:10 AM

Santa Sangre 1989 Dir. Alejandro Jodorowsky

Jodorowsky's only horror film (although that is a very loose tag) is a heady blend of surrealism, outrageous violence (although there are only three deaths in the film) and stunning visuals to create a film so unique, it is difficult to compare it to anything else.

The plot is something that I am not going to delve into because although it does follow a linear narrative upon the films climax, whilst watching it seems anything BUT linear. This is where the films power lies. This is art transmorphed into a genre that is generally frowned upon. The film proves that you can throw many fantastic ideas into the mix via imagery and suggestion to dupe you into thinking you are watching a 70's arthouse film with nods to Freud, Jung and Bunell.

This is not to say that just because it is so unique, I should immediately extoll it's virtues. It is usually these trappings that can turn me away from a film. I dislike surrealism and obscure imagery just for the sake of it. However once you begin to watch Santa Sangre you are drawn ionto this world of circus performers, grotesque characters and the films remarkable ability to flash backwards and forwards in time and still remain coherent.

I really do believe that films such as this should be used in film studies as an exercise in bravado and intelligence. once seen, never forgotten.

01-30-2009, 11:10 AM	#115 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	Santa Sangre 1989 Dir. Alejandro Jodorowsky Jodorowsky's only horror film (although that is a very loose tag) is a heady blend of surrealism, outrageous violence (although there are only three deaths in the film) and stunning visuals to create a film so unique, it is difficult to compare it to anything else. The plot is something that I am not going to delve into because although it does follow a linear narrative upon the films climax, whilst watching it seems anything BUT linear. This is where the films power lies. This is art transmorphed into a genre that is generally frowned upon. The film proves that you can throw many fantastic ideas into the mix via imagery and suggestion to dupe you into thinking you are watching a 70's arthouse film with nods to Freud, Jung and Bunell. This is not to say that just because it is so unique, I should immediately extoll it's virtues. It is usually these trappings that can turn me away from a film. I dislike surrealism and obscure imagery just for the sake of it. However once you begin to watch Santa Sangre you are drawn ionto this world of circus performers, grotesque characters and the films remarkable ability to flash backwards and forwards in time and still remain coherent. I really do believe that films such as this should be used in film studies as an exercise in bravado and intelligence. once seen, never forgotten. __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”