Review of Thriller: A Cruel Picture (1973) by Mark D — 26 Sep 2010

Totally took me aback how engaged I was and how much I enjoyed this. Theres next to no dialogue in the film, but that does not distract you from the linear narrative of a child who is raped and becomes mute due to the trauma. The director seems to suggest that the viewer should be put in her shoes as she grows up and is kidnapped and forced to take heroin which leads her to becoming addicted and forced to prostitute herself for Heroin. Rough life I know. But the film builds on her abuse as she is monontesly raped continuly by the same 'customers' until she is able to afford her revenge. And that is a great piece of revenge.

The film benefits from the casting of porn actress Christina Lindberg in the lead role. She is silent, but her acting abilities shine through in her torturous life and the iconography of her character is truly world class and obviously knicked by that man again Tarantino.

The direction/ editing is experimental. Vibenius uses close ups (sometimes too close up) and slow motion sequences (mainly in violent scenes) to express his aesthetic. At times both can be over used, especially the slo mo, but it does have the required effect, just dragged on abit too long.

Overall this was a totally engaging film for me, and although not exactly original it does serve its purpose and delivers in more original ways than other Rape and Revenge films such as the not so great 'I Spit on your Grave'. Word of warning though it does have what some people would refer to as hardcore sex scenes, but these are not at all stimulating especially considering the circumstances. Ballsy and iconic. Highly recommend.