Alec B
The entire shunting sequence is so insane, both in conception and execution, that I'm willing to forgive most of the movie's narrative issues.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/22/24
Full Review
Jens B
Thanks Letterboxd for spoiling the entire plot in your summary on the film's page.
That said: a lot of very good looking dudes with horrible hair, some very good looking gals with horrible hair, a very horny, sweaty atmosphere, some sexy time, some mystery and paranoia, oh, and one of the most creative and disgusting orgy scenes in the history of cinema!
Very dark humor throughout, you can watch this as a comedy.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
11/07/23
Full Review
Steve D
Nowhere near as clever as it thinks it is.
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
09/07/23
Full Review
Mike M
I don't know how I missed this for all these years, but now that I've eventually caught up with it, wish I hadn't. A real period piece of 1980s kitsch. It is obvious that someone was desperate to make the most of new cine graphics, unfortunately the subject matter chosen was to use it in as gross a way as possible in the final scene. The rest of the film is an incoherent mess.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
07/26/23
Full Review
Jack B
Being an avid film fan, I had heard of films like RE-ANIMATOR and FROM BEYOND. So one night I watched RE-ANIMATOR and then FROM BEYOND. I found both films to be fun and a bit quirky. Since the same name Yuzna appeared in these films, I was curious to check out his filmography...
Already from the first minutes the atmosphere and tone of the film completely immersed me in watching it. I watched the film with great interest until the "famous" ending! :) I was not particularly confused or shocked by the ending, including everything related to ''shunting''. Maybe it's because I've seen some of Croneberg's films before and I've developed an "immunity" to such things in films.
As you guessed, I liked the film a lot! Literally in every aspect. Looking ahead, this is Brian Yuzna's best film and one of the best films in its genre! It's also one of the weirdest, quirkiest films I've ever seen. I've seen a lot of films (my IMDB profile says at least 1100 films) and I can safely say that this masterpiece is worth many films, especially in this day and age when Hollywood is impoverished in creativity.
I really like the script of the film, it's very original and bold. I really like most of the dialog of the characters. I think the actors are perfectly cast and play their characters well. Bill Worlock's performance is especially praiseworthy - he played a really believable kid who is paranoid and can't always distinguish between reality and fiction. And Ben Slack and David Wiley (who played Dr Cleveland and Judge Carter respectively) portrayed their characters very charismatically, and made me laugh ! I remember their phrases almost by heart. The humor in the film, although strange in some places, but still funny and original. In addition, I have a great sense of humor, and moreover I love black humor. So, no problem there. Patrice Jennings is very cute as Billy's sister and plus, she has a very pretty smile. Connie Danese and Charles Lucia played the parents well. They managed to show their indifference and false love for their son. All the other actors coped with their roles perfectly. In addition, it should be noted that the creators simply could not afford to afford actors of larger figures. Operator's work at a high level and skill. Camera angles, bright and pastel colors perfectly create the necessary atmosphere. Affluent Beverly Hills has never shone and "degraded" like in SOCIETY. The moderately minimalistic electronic score by Mark Ryder and Phil Davies perfectly complements the necessary mood. The musical grooves "swing" perfectly from lyrical motifs to saspes-themes.
When I first watched the film I couldn't believe its budget of just over one million. You can see that every dollar was spent wisely.
After repeated viewings, I'm beginning to realize more and more how hard, diligent and creative Brian Yuzna was in making this film. Especially in many aspects of the films he was the mastermind and oversaw a lot of things, from script edits to practical effects. I love that about people - when they catch fire with an idea and start inspiring others. With this film, I think Yuzna was just like that. And that's also the reason why this film is so special to me.
What is another plus in low-budget/independent films is that there is almost no creative control, and the director has the opportunity to fully realize the film exactly as he or she intended. This also applies to SOCIETY.
Of course it is a rather sharp (moderately absurd) social satire, and it is mocked in some places crudely and exaggeratedly. But it is a horror movie, with elements of comedy, psychological thriller, and detective. I believe that this film should not be treated excessively serious, although the raised topics and issues in the SOCIETY disturbing and encourages reflection. At the time of the film's release in the United States, the audience did not appreciate it and most likely just took offense, because then there was already a myth that, say, in America everyone is equal and everyone has the same opportunities. As long as this system of things exists, there will be class divisions in society. Although the movie is a bit outdated in some aspects, it continues to be relevant when the division of society and the accumulation of uncomfortable issues is more evident now than it was in '89 when the film was made.
For all the shocking and bizarre moments in the film, I don't find it repugnant or repulsive, that's how I got a lasting feeling of a witty, crazy and dark tale that I'm drawn to again and again....
For me, this is definitely one of the most interesting and original films that has pretty much everything I love in a film - beautiful and quirky dialog, mystery, conspiracy, social message and entertainment. This is a 'dark beauty' picture and not everyone will enjoy it. But you learn Hollywood, how to make a quality movie for pennies!
10/ 10
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
07/27/23
Full Review
Lashae V
Absolutely 80s at it's best! The movie is excellent and has a good meaning behind it! Love the special effects!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/03/23
Full Review
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