Review of Angst (1983) by Tor M — 27 Aug 2018

"Angst" is known to be one of Gaspar Noé's favorites and it sure is something. The film is based on a true story as a man hops in and out of jail for crimes. After he randomly kills someone he is in the can for ten years and when he's out again he is aiming for more. He finds a house to "fulfill his plans and lusts" as he know there must be some interesting people inside.

This is a very, very disturbing and brutal film. It's so grim that it makes most horror films look like "Cinderella". Blood, gore, rape, bodies - but the true horror here is the way it's presented. Erwin Leder does an amazing job as the lead, portraying the man known as "the Vampire of Düsseldorf". He looks seriously disturbed. The way it's shot, with a constantly moving camera, high and low, often with closeups of faces - sometimes it moves fast or rotates makes you feel a bit uncomfortable. There's also a voiceover that constantly tells us what the killer is up to and what's going on in his mind. Thaughts about his childhood where he was tortured and abused, his feelings on how the fitting revenge should be and the way he gets "excited" is always making sure we are in the state and mind of the murderer.

For me this is a very ugly movie but also a very solid film. The presentation is fantastic and the atmosphere and mood are very gripping. A techincal psychokiller film from the top shelf of the horrorgenre - even without scares. If your stomach can handle the explicitness and true terror - go for it. If not, stay far, far away.

8.5 out of 10 blood baths.