Review of Clean, Shaven (1995) by Dan G — 07 May 2009

There isn't much story to this film. There isn't much of anything in it, actually. It's horrendously slow and low key to the point where this viewer found himself zoning out and sometimes having to shake myself alert and rewind a few minutes to keep refreshing myself on what's been going on.

Nonetheless, the film contains a lead performance that is absolutely staggeringly powerful. Peter Greene's main character doesn't even speak for practically the first half hour of the film (it's not a dialogue-heavy film) but his portrayal of a man suffering from schizophrenia (at best) or full blown dementia (at worst) is something really and truly special.

Also, the film is quite disturbing. I'm a desensitized gore-hound and there are a few scenes in this movie that actually made me cringe, which I think is a big testament to its power. Nonetheless, I don't think its something I'd want to watch again any time soon, or perhaps ever again (except for with commentary).

I recommend this film solely to those searching for things that will shock them or those who are deeply interested in the craft of acting.