You’ve probably been embarrassed by a movie that tried to evoke these kinds of emotions, but maybe you’ve never experienced an Austrian film called Schizophrenia, which is often described as one of the most disturbing of all time.
The plot is as follows: after a long prison sentence for premeditated murder, a psychopath immediately sets off in search of his next victim. After a failed first attempt at a car driver and a missed opportunity at a gas station, he chooses a house where an old lady lives with a man with mental and motor disabilities and his two children.
The film was released with a warning for under 16s: “Some scenes in this film may seriously offend the sensibilities of even mature viewers.”
Where Schizophrenia stands out from other serial killer stories is its barely audible dialogue. The audience is accompanied only by the killer’s voice. In full introspection, reviewing the events of his sad life, this “psychopath” – he is never named – reveals his tragic past.
We listen to the killer as we watch his unimaginable violence. The camera reinforces this feeling by very often choosing shots from above, as if we were observing his actions from above, as if detached. Much of the film’s discomfort is based on this element and the fact that we can find ourselves wondering about a guy who is in the process of slaughtering his family right in front of us.
Good to the end, Schizophrenia deserves a place among the best serial killer movies. Currently out of platforms, we can see why Gerald Cargle’s feature film deserves to be (re)discovered by a wider audience. But beware, disturbing movie!
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
