Review of Santa Sangre (1989) by Julio M — 23 Apr 2010

An incredibly enthralling work of dark vision. Combining elements of Dario Argento, David Lynch, and Federico Fellini, Jodorowsky creates an carnival of carnage here that defies true categorization. The film is at times inscrutable, but never in a fashion that feels frustratiing.

Rather, the film plays like some fevered nightmare in which forward plot movement is somewhat a secondary concern, a potential problem sidestepped because the atmosphere is so brilliantly troubled and dense that one can't help but be pulled along hypnotically.

This film will undoubtedly not appeal to most filmgoers, and I suspect that even some seasoned horror consumers might find this film too abstract for their liking, but adventurous film fans should seek this one out immediately.

Unforgettable.