Review of Faces of Death (1978) by Grëg W — 31 Oct 2009

A thought-provoking and, in some scenes, downright disturbing portrayal of life, death, and the questions that come with existence. the film is narrated by michael carr, who takes the role of a fictional doctor doing a documentary on death.

the film starts with a questionably real open heart surgery, and as the heart finally stops beating, narration about life and death in society, people, and even animals are chronicled. this film was originally and notoriously banned in the UK and labeled as a "video nasty" for its portrayals of the actual deaths of animals and humans.

while there actually are real deaths seen in this movie, there are some very obviously fake scenes shot for the movie specifically, such as the crocodile eating the man, or the cave scene where the man falls to his death.

but later on, they show scenes from news broadcasts of famous suicides, accidents, and even capital punishment executions for death row inmates. while this may be discussed as a film purely made to be shocking, I was very much intrigued by the concept of the portrayal of life and death in it.

this film really makes you think about your existence and what really will happen to you after you die. is that it? do you rot in the ground? will religion save you from your existence getting snuffed out? no one will ever really know those answers until death comes, expected or not.