Review of Repulsion (1965) by Maria V — 23 Apr 2009
A film made essential via Catherine Deneuve's intensely deteriorative performance and Polanski's patient touch. As he has proven throughout his career, Polanski is the master of the slow-burn, always careful not to prematurely answer too many questions or spring too many surprises; instead, he sprinkles his touches throughout his films so that his audience is anxious for them at all times.
This film is often categorized as "surrealist", but I don't think a descriptor like that fits. The film, instead, is realism through the eyes of a nightmare's victim, and no matter how jarring or disturbing a sequence might appear, its existance is logical to this poor girl's repressive life.
A stunning character study and a daring sexual journey.
This review of Repulsion (1965) was written by Maria V on 23 Apr 2009.
Repulsion has generally received very positive reviews.
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