Review of Repulsion (1965) by Ann D — 03 Nov 2007
The main character, carol (catherine deneueve) is so under-developed and devoid of personality that her descent into madness lacks a believable dimension. carol is both villain and protagonist. and in order to pull that off, there definitely needs to be a more dynamic personality at work. which is not to dismiss deneuve's performance which is actually pretty brave -- I blame it squarely on polanski who gives the character nothing to do except sit in a catatonic state until her character freaks out at the male characters who try to get into her pants...
That all said, I will say that there are some arresting scenes. the sleazy landlord's attempted seduction is brilliantly acted and photographed- the camerawork throughout is fluid and proficient- and in the early scenes with carol's sister, they help depict a fascinating gulf between society's verson of healthy sexuality and carol's repression/repulsion.
Still when the shit hits the fan in carol's apartment, polanski's surreal touches have a been-there-done-that feeling. I mean didn't cocteau already explore the hands coming out of the walls bit a long time ago?
This review of Repulsion (1965) was written by Ann D on 03 Nov 2007.
Repulsion has generally received very positive reviews.
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