Review of Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008) by James R — 01 Dec 2009

Apparently people either loved or hated this movie. And I have to admit, even though I personally loved it, I can see why and how some people hated it. It was, after all, co-created by the same mind that created and directed part of the Saw series. Its premise is squeamish at best and somewhat sociopathic at worst, its post-apocalyptic setting is downright creepy, and the plot and characters are often more weird than sympathetic. But like the punk band Ludo's "Broken Bride Suite" and some of the more out-there and/or gory movies recently (from Pan's Labyrinth to Planet Terror to Sweeney Todd to Rendition...the list goes on), Repo! hides many great performances and heart-wrenchingly evocative characterization behind its curtain of blood and rubber. Anthony Stewart Head is masterful as the villain who is as much a victim as his own victims. Alexa Vega doesn't overdo her innocent curiosity. Terrance Zdunich steals several scenes as a high-belting goth graverobber/narrator. Sarah Brightman evinces great soiled dignity (and apparently can act as well as sing--who knew?). And Paris Hilton's face falls off--what more do you want?

Moreover, like Hedwig and the Angry Inch and like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Repo! uses the medium of a rock opera to tell a spooky yet endearing story that shares as many roots with Rapunzel as it does with Blade Runner and Reservoir Dogs. The music isn't incredible, but what it lacks in depth it makes up for in energy--the post-apocalyptic world of Repo! is very well represented in the post-Rocky-Horror punk-Broadway soundtrack.

I've heard this film called a cult classic waiting for its cult, and I think that description makes a lot of sense. I hope that both the people who liked Saw and its ilk (I didn't) and the people who love rock operas (I do) will allow this movie to grow on them, so that cult following can be established. Repo! will never be mainstream, and in many ways it is quite ridiculous, but it is one of the most unique, hard-hitting, edgy and epic movies to hit video stores in 2009. It should be recognized and enjoyed as such.