Review of Faces of Death (1978) by John P — 07 Feb 2009

I guess I'm rating this on principle alone.... But uh, as far as a movie delivering its promise, this one does it.

It's not especially grueling.... And there's not much of a point here. It tries to be a Jacopetti/Prosperi-esque mondo about death, but unlike those classic documentaries, this one has nothing to say. It's all shock and no context.

I'm not sure if that's a legitimate criticism. I mean, it has a skull on the cover and features exploitation of the highest order. But it's an ugly movie with a cold, black heart, and it's probably the sleaziest thing I've ever laid my eyes on. I felt dirty watching this. So... I guess... I can recommend it? I dunno, do you wanna watch people die fo' realz?

Then watch this. Otherwise, it's of no cinematic purpose, it's way too fucking long, it meanders, it rambles.... And it's boring as fuck.

But.... That dude's eyes boil.