Review of The Tenant (1976) by Alexandre R — 26 May 2009
As usual with Polanski films, The Tenant is a beautifully shot and compelling exploration of the psyche. However, this film did make me think that Polanski has some sort of obsession with the psychological effects of apartment life: Repulsion and Rosemary's Baby both deal with apartment buildings.
Still, The Tenant explores the maddening effects of apartment life in a way that neither of this other films do. Whlie Repulsion is about the effects of isolation and Rosemary's baby is, well, Rosemary's Baby, The Tenant examines the manner in which the lifestyle one must adopt in order to be a "tenant" proves almost unbearable: the constant need to be completely silent, the constant surveillance of neighbors, the lack of your own toilet facilities, etc.
Simultaneously, the film is about obsession, about becoming so obsessed with an idea or person that you become something or someone different. The Tenant admirably explores both these themes in a creepy and innovative fashion.
This review of The Tenant (1976) was written by Alexandre R on 26 May 2009.
The Tenant has generally received very positive reviews.
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