Customer Ratings & Reviews

Let me first say this is a solid Criterion Collection production. The film quality, book, and copious extras are in line with their other productions. My 3 Stars are based on this. It’s good for a curiosity viewing, but not much else. This movie does force me to reconsider my saying, “I’m open to watching just about anything.” Sadly, I found very little to like and absolutely nothing redeeming about this movie. It is simply sadomasochism masquerading as a deep art film. I made a point of watching this in one sitting so that I would not need to sit through it again. The movie says more about the creator’s inner turmoil and struggles more than anything else. It is a difficult watch from the start, but takes it up a notch when you reach the chapter aptly titled “Circle of Feces”. Ugh yeah. I would recommend watching the included interviews and extras; they attempt to explain Pier Paolo Pasolini’s work.

This movie is an allegory for facism and western consumerism. With that being said, this movie was and is controversial and very unpleasant. I sincerely warn anyone that this movie (especially the criterion release) is well made and an important film, but it is hard to watch. It basically punishes you for being an observer which is very evident in the final scenes. That may very well be the point of this film though. Its easy to see how just being a fly on the wall and observing without interjecting has led to atrocities throughout history.