This is something new for us. It was suggested by our own GypsyTishy and I love the idea. A He said- She Said review of a disturbing film. The film that we have chosen to kick off this fun new thing is the horror film Scrapbook.
Here is what SHE had to say about the film.
Scrapbook
95 min., 2000
Director – Eric Stanze
Scrapbook uses the tagline: “true horror is simply what one human being can do to another.” This film was by far the most disturbing and horrific film I saw at the festival. I didn’t realize (until I researched later) that this film was originally released in 2000, and then re-released “uncensored and uncut”, in 2005. So, it hardly qualifies as a ‘new’ film….but I watched it, so I will give it my 2 cents worth. I feel that I have to review it, since it affected me to “the point of no return”, both figuratively and literally.
There are horror movies; scary ones, gory ones, funny, sci-fi, fantasy, psychological….and the list goes on. Few horror directors use violence with such realism and honesty that they are painful to watch. This type of ‘in your face’ realistic ugliness can be upsetting for many audience viewers. Films like Last House on the Left, I Spit On Your Grave, or even that scene from Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer where Otis is watching the video tape on the couch…yeah that one, are usually to ‘hard core’ for the average movie goer. Scrapbook is one of these films. I can say however, I did enjoy watching the ‘old school’ above mentioned films. Sure, there were disturbing scenes, but overall I liked them. Scrapbook goes beyond these earlier endeavors, making them feel like a Disney cartoon. The level of violence is more then I want to see personally, although, I’m sure Stanze has a fan base and there is no denying that this film is a brutally honest and terrifying film. While watching Scrapbook I felt as though I had been out walking around in the country alone one day when I discovered this weird cracker box farm house in the middle of BFE. I decide to look through the rusty screen…. and what I see through the window is a guy and girl sitting at a disgustingly dirty table with a book between them....
Serial killer, Leonard (Tommy Biondo), kidnaps, repeatedly rapes and tortures a woman then forces her to record the experience in a ‘scrapbook’ before she is executed. Clara (Emily Haack) is kept locked up in a filthy room inside a filthy home, where her abductor unleashes all kinds of physical and emotional torture on her. I must give praise to actress Emily Haack and her portrayal of Clara. I don’t know many actresses who would go through what she went through for the sake of making a film…amazing.
Practically the entire movie is filmed with just two characters and we get to see all the graphic brutality, every thing that happens to Clara, we see it. I DID NOT see all of it, however. I had to leave after the 4th (or was it the 5th) rape scene…yep, I suuure did! I left the screening room. It was too much for me. I can admit that. And if anyone decides to watch this film make SURE you know your own threshold. I get it…I do. It’s isn’t about making a scary movie, it’s about showing more than anyone has ever shown before, to push the boundaries of filmmaking beyond all previous limits. Director Eric Stanze and (now deceased) Screenwriter Tommy Biondo wanted people like me to leave the theatre; they want their audiences to be freaked out and uncomfortable. Congratulations, you were successful.
Even though I can’t, in good conscience, recommend this film, for viewing. I do recommend going to the following web-sites for reading more about it. You may decide you can handle it and give it a shot….feel free! Just know, you have been warned!
http://www.wickedpixel.com/films/scrapbook/filmfacts.php
http://www.horrortalk.com/reviews/Scrapbook/scrapbook.html
SHE- GypsyTishy
Now for the He take on the film! QUITE DIFFERENT.
Scrapbook
95 min., 2000
Director – Eric Stanze
Released in 2000, Eric Stanze’s Scrapbook was shown at the Fright Night Film Fest in 2007 where it was seen by our own Gypsytishy. (see above) After hearing her review of it, I must say, my interest was peaked. So when it had a repeat performance at this year’s festival I was able to see what all the hullabaloo was about.
Now, I will start by saying that Scrapbook is very, very graphic. Beware; it contains graphic violence, graphic rape, and graphic nudity. With that said, it’s quite a good film. It’s the story of a serial killer who has kidnapped his next victim, Clara, and the horrible ordeals she must endure to survive. Leonard (played by the writer – the late Tommy Biondo) has chosen Clara as his next victim and the next entry into his scrapbook. Leonard keeps the item as a record of the fear and hopelessness that his victims are feeling. He also hopes that someday it will get him noticed and appreciated by the world at large. Clara must find a way to communicate with Leonard and her only option is to use the scrapbook.
It’s very difficult to say that I “enjoyed” this film because it’s so dark and gritty, but in many ways I did. I definitely appreciated it. I will say that I was riveted to the screen while I was watching. I was enthralled with the film and didn’t move the entire time. The killer’s house, where the entire film is set, is genuinely dark and creepy. A lot of attention was obviously paid to the set design. There’s a definite claustrophobic feeling throughout the entire film. I felt like I was right there in the moment with Leonard’s intended victim. The two leads, Tommy Biondo and Emily Haack, were both amazing and convincing.
Final word: I liked the film. Scrapbook is like a roller coaster. If you’ve got the stomach for it, you will undoubtedly enjoy the ride.
HE- Daniel Hargrove
Knowing these two, I have to say that I am literally surprised. GypsyTishy loves her hardcore horror and Daniel is a humongous Lynda Carter fan. This just goes to show you that you never know what you might like or dislike! Keepo your eyes open for more HE SAID/SHE SAID! Daniel and Tish will be at this again at the Derby City Film Fest!
Shane