Review of Safe (1993) by Jer M — 29 Jul 2009

What an intriguing film this is. Using the bizarre concept of a suburban home maker developing a crippling chemical allergy Haynes manages to create a film experience that is unique but also harkens back to many of his inspirations. The opening segments long shots and cold clinical environments evoke Kubrick's finest work with the infamous monolith replaced by a miscoloured couch. This of course introduces to the film an element of satire, the concept of society and those who live for it is worked over in a way befitting of Sirk with a contemporary touch. There are also some hints towards Lynch's brand of picket fence horror and bizarre terror with just enough room saved for an issue close to Hayne's own heart, AIDS.

This could easily come across as a boring film to those who do not know where to look but personally I found it almost overwhelming at times. There was so much going on that I could hardly process it all, because of that I feel I will appreciate this more on a second viewing. For now though I will say that this is a very harrowing film and a very complex film but above all a brilliant film.