kevindpetty
It is very sad that such a talented director is also so demented. The first 20 minutes of this film are filled with stunning, magical scenes. For instance, a bathtub serves as a metaphor of Life; a great feat of cinematography. then, Anderson's Little Match Girl,a pop-up storybook, is filled with live characters. Clearly, the movie is a 10. Yes, there is a lot of sexuality (masturbation, male frontal nudity) and masochism, and these don't detract from, but add to the beauty of the story.But as usual, Palfi then starts gratuitously killing animals. Not staged killings and torture, but actual. He did the same in Hukkle. After some 15 minutes, he poisoned a cat.I don't car what humans do to themselves (masturbation, sex, torture) for the sake of a movie because they are willing participants,but non-humans should not be sacrificed for the sake of a film. NO film requires that.It is too bad that Palfi's talent is mixed up with sadism and the objectification, and therefore lack of consideration for "real" versus symbolic Life. Taxdermia could have been a 10. Hukkle could have been up there too. Both are 2s.
Danny McChicken
Taxidermia is an acquired taste, filled with visceral dismemberment, explicit sex and psychological sickness. But while many will complain about these portions and quickly consider this another controversial gore fest, It is actually a rather incredible film. It's beautifully shot, incorporating never before seen shots and a very distinct style. Its nicely acted and also has some of the best black humour I have seen in a long time. The story seems rather weak on first viewings but after several re-watches, patterns emerge and some clever political satire pokes through, questioning modern life and what talent is. All in All, Its a film that deserves praise, but is quite unlikely to ever see it.
bangiepangie
Bored with blockbusters?Watch this to remind yourself why you love movies.A breathtaking, unpretentious, off the wall, artistic masterpiece shot with meticulous attention to detail reminiscent of Jean-Pierre Jeunet mixed with a little Guillermo del Toro with a sprinkle of Brothers Grimm.Imaginative visuals and superb acting throughout, especially Marc Bischoff's touching and nuanced performance as Balatony Lajoska.A feast for the eyes, ears and imagination.Take it at face value and enjoy like a fine wine. Then watch again.Not for everyone, but thats what makes it great.
Vincent
This film aims for shock value rather than plot.We see several generations of a family who are all strange in different ways.The ideas are certainly original and the film moves at a good pace. There are a few twists as we follow the characters and get a view of their quite brutal and unpleasant lifestyles.The reliance on disgust is boring though, if you aren't shocked by the imagery then you aren't left with much else.The dialogue is minimal and the characters aren't likable, we are supposed to see them as exhibits not develop empathy for them. This leaves the film feeling slightly dead with no emotion and no real impact.Watchable for the weirdness but would certainly offer nothing worth a second viewing.
AD
