Review of WR: Mysteries of the Organism (1971) by Brian R — 04 Jul 2013

Part documentary about Wilhelm Reich, the radical psychoanalyst and originator of 'orgonomy'; part surreal satire on sexual repression in communist Yugoslavia. Such a disparate film shouldn't really work but it does due to its extraordinary wit and invention, even if it borders on insanity (like W.

R. himself did by many accounts). The ending, featuring a decapitated head and a Soviet ice skater singing a ballad set against a snowy landscape, is strangely beautiful. Not a film to be watched in front of the bairns and not everybody's cup of tea but well worth investing some time in.