Let the Corpses Tan (Cattet and Forzani)

[horroru]

This was my first foray into the directing world of Cattet and Forzani:
Let the Corpses Tan


It was quite a visual and aural experience - from what little I'd read I did know going in that this directing duo were on the experimental/arthouse side, and it clearly shows in this film - this is certainly NOT a film for everyone.

I think the Press Release sums up what plot there is:
"After stealing a truckload of gold bars, a gang of thieves absconds to the ruins of a remote village perched on the cliffs of the Mediterranean. Home to a reclusive yet hypersexual artist and her motley crew of family and admirers, it seems like a perfect hideout. But when two cops roll up on motorcycles to investigate, the hamlet erupts into a hallucinatory battlefield as both sides engage in an all-day, all-night firefight rife with double-crosses and dripping with blood."

Cattet and Forzani aren't obsessed with plot as much as they are with the video/audio side of things. I personally loved how they displayed the time on the screen, sometimes jumping back and forth in time, as well as adding in flashbacks/memories from some of the characters - but I can certainly see people hating it and finding it annoying. For me it kept my brain working to tie all the visuals together, to stitch together a story.

It's a loving homage to spaghetti westerns/crime films, and yet IMHO they've created something unique here; it's filmed in a way that only these two directors could produce. I was listening to the commentary (which I found very entertaining), and they mentioned that the directors approach their films as interpretive art. If 10 different people watch this film and come out with 10 different interpretations of the visuals/plot, then that's great; like a painting, some may see different connections in form, some may be moved emotionally in various ways, and all are valid. It's bold if anything, and is unlike anything I've seen recently - has a touch of David Lynch but it's not aping his style, it feels unique to me.

Having said all that, some may be moved to turn this film OFF - it's not a mainstream film by any means, nor is it a Tarantino snappy dialogue/over the top violence fest. Oh it is over the top, but more in an arthouse way (and I don't want to overuse that term but it's how I feel). They linger on visuals, they overemphasize certain sounds (gun blasts and squeaking leather) and this will certainly drive anyone looking for a mainstream film out of their mind. The pace of the film is bizarre, and they don't spoon feed the viewer a thing. But again as I knew this film was an art piece, I just let the visuals wash over me and tell me the story, even if it didn't fill in every little detail - I actually enjoyed piecing plot points together even if the movie doesn't give you a full explanation. In my mind there is one character in the whole movie who is the key to all the actions that go on, but I won't reveal who because, well, it's my interpretation....yours may differ.

Highly recommended for fans of Darren Aronofsky, David Lynch, Dario Argento, Takashi Miike - keeping in mind Cattet and Forzani have their own unique style, while it seems being influenced by that group. If you don't like that list of directors keep far away from this film!
(also it obviously contains gruesome violence and even some taboo sexual situations)
Also for any movie fan who wants to stretch their film palette, wants to open their mind and take an adventurous trip - hell I like mainstream movies as much as everyone on here, but it was great to just let my senses be taken over by this film and just let it take me where it takes me.

Edit: Forgot to mention the film features music by Ennio Morricone, which gives much flavor to the dusty atmosphere.

If you've read this far thanks for reading, I'm certainly NOT "The Great Owl" but he inspired me to get off my rear and write up something that got me enthusiastic about how experimental the art of filmmaking can be.

[MJD64]

Damn horroru, your write-up has convinced me to give this a shot! Will give this a viewing soon, brother.

[horroru]

Originally Posted by MJD64

Damn horroru, your write-up has convinced me to give this a shot! Will give this a viewing soon, brother.

Just don't punch me after you see it...but would love to talk about Cattet and Forzani's style even if you hate it!
I'm on to their first two films next, Amer and The Strange Color of Your Body's Tears.

[defile959]

I bought this, despite being left utterly cold by the duo's two previous films. They wear their influences, many of which I really do adore, on their sleeves. I was hoping I would enjoy this more than Amer or The Strange Color of Your Body's Tears.

Let the Corpses Tan did not change my opinion. A lot of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

There are some striking images, but after three attempts, I've decided that the directors' works just don't resonate with me.

Edit: Upon rereading this, it seems a little more reactive than intended - I didn't mean to pour cold water on anyone else's enthusiasm for the film, and feel like anyone interested should at least give it a watch and make up their own mind. They do use great vintage soundtrack cuts in all their films, and each includes some memorable visuals. To me, they just come across more as art pieces rather than narrative features.

[The Great Owl]

Thanks for sharing. This movie arrived at my doorstep yesterday, and I'll be watching it soon.

[horroru]

Originally Posted by defile959

I bought this, despite being left utterly cold by the duo's two previous films. They wear their influences, many of which I really do adore, on their sleeves. I was hoping I would enjoy this more than Amer or The Strange Color of Your Body's Tears.

Let the Corpses Tan did not change my opinion. A lot of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

There are some striking images, but after three attempts, I've decided that the directors' works just don't resonate with me.

I think a LOT of people would agree with you defile and I can completely understand why - you're right, Cattet and Forzani's emphasis is on the visuals and audio at the "expense" of the plot - but I put expense in quotes because I think that's how they intend it (which as you said I'm sure I'll discover with their first two films)

Most movie visuals/audio serve the plot, but in this film the thin plot exists to serve up the visuals/audio - at least that's what I took away from it.
Even though it was weird getting used to it, by the end I just enjoy experiencing what Cattet and Forzani were throwing at me.

I do think there is an overarching plot point to the movie that is reflected in the visuals though - it's not just a bunch of nonsense thrown together, visuals are chosen for specific reasons. I'm going to watch it again this weekend to see if my first impressions hold up.

[horroru]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Thanks for sharing. This movie arrived at my doorstep yesterday, and I'll be watching it soon.

I'll be waiting to hear what you think GO - you've got such a varied taste in movies I think you'll like it, but it's certainly a very devise movie.

[defile959]

Originally Posted by horroru

I think a LOT of people would agree with you defile and I can completely understand why - you're right, Cattet and Forzani's emphasis is on the visuals and audio at the "expense" of the plot - but I put expense in quotes because I think that's how they intend it (which as you said I'm sure I'll discover with their first two films)

Most movie visuals/audio serve the plot, but in this film the thin plot exists to serve up the visuals/audio - at least that's what I took away from it.
Even though it was weird getting used to it, by the end I just enjoy experiencing what Cattet and Forzani were throwing at me.

I do think there is an overarching plot point to the movie that is reflected in the visuals though - it's not just a bunch of nonsense thrown together, visuals are chosen for specific reasons. I'm going to watch it again this weekend to see if my first impressions hold up.

I intend to revisit this film when I have a little distance from it (and when my life calms down - this week has been a rollercoaster of unexpectedly interviewing for a big job opportunity and also spending a lot of time searching for a relative's missing pet). On paper, this should be right up my alley.

I will say this - the image of the man walking slowly as flaming ash falls from the sky left an indelible mark in my mind. That was great.

[horroru]

Originally Posted by defile959

I intend to revisit this film when I have a little distance from it (and when my life calms down - this week has been a rollercoaster of unexpectedly interviewing for a big job opportunity and also spending a lot of time searching for a relative's missing pet). On paper, this should be right up my alley.

I will say this - the image of the man walking slowly as flaming ash falls from the sky left an indelible mark in my mind. That was great.

Hey good luck on the job opportunity, hope it works out! Also, hope the missing pet returns safe, I went through that with a friend about 2 years ago, not fun.

I agree that visual is great, along with the artist and the fireworks scene.
I think this film benefits by leaving all preconceptions at the door, which is maybe why I liked it so much - if I had gone in thinking it was going to be a Tarantinoesque thriller I would have hated it.

[castor]

I received and watched the BD today, and I loved it. I'm a big fan of Cattet and Forzani. This is another brilliant barrage of visuals and sounds, like Amer and The Strange Color of Your Body's Tears. It doesn't bother me if their films are more style than substance, their style is so mesmerizing to me.

[MJD64]

Thanks again for this recommendation, horroru.

I finally got around to seeing this fever dream amalgamation of spaghetti westerns and eurocrime thrillers (with a dash of giallo) and very much enjoyed it; you could practically feel the heat of the Mediterranean sun in those bold color-saturated visuals. The extreme close-ups of sweaty and frequently brutish faces recalled Leone quite effectively, and the double-crosses by seedy and violent criminals paid proper homage to 70's Italian exploitation cinema. The dilapidated location was terrific, evoking old-world European charm whilst being sufficiently rundown to feel ominously dangerous as all the violence erupts. This is one nasty but artfully done film.

[Show spoiler]Several of those death scenes, where globulets of exploding paint essentially take the place of blood squibs, might have come across as pretentiously artsy in a lesser film, but damned if they didn't work gangbusters here. The scene where the beautiful Marine Sainsily, imagining bullet hits disrobing her as opposed to ripping her to shreds, links sex and death in a way both seductive and amusing...and of course, this seemingly most innocent of the characters has her own memorable burst of violence.

I'm always fascinated when art and exploitation meet, and this garishly gorgeous offering was a pleasure to watch.

[horroru]

Originally Posted by MJD64

Thanks again for this recommendation, horroru.

I finally got around to seeing this fever dream amalgamation of spaghetti westerns and eurocrime thrillers (with a dash of giallo) and very much enjoyed it; you could practically feel the heat of the Mediterranean sun in those bold color-saturated visuals. The extreme close-ups of sweaty and frequently brutish faces recalled Leone quite effectively, and the double-crosses by seedy and violent criminals paid proper homage to 70's Italian exploitation cinema. The dilapidated location was terrific, evoking old-world European charm whilst being sufficiently rundown to feel ominously dangerous as all the violence erupts. This is one nasty but artfully done film.

[Show spoiler]Several of those death scenes, where globulets of exploding paint essentially take the place of blood squibs, might have come across as pretentiously artsy in a lesser film, but damned if they didn't work gangbusters here. The scene where the beautiful Marine Sainsily, imagining bullet hits disrobing her as opposed to ripping her to shreds, links sex and death in a way both seductive and amusing...and of course, this seemingly most innocent of the characters has her own memorable burst of violence.

I'm always fascinated when art and exploitation meet, and this garishly gorgeous offering was a pleasure to watch.

Hey my brother, glad you enjoyed it!
As I mentioned in my review above, the directors approach their films as interpretive art - but I love that they don't just do weird things to be avant guard. All the symbolism, sounds, colors (especially yellow/gold) form a cohesive picture, even if some people might see a slightly different picture than others.
We'll talk at movie night!

[splintersan]

I forgot about this one. I meant to buy it and it just slipped passed me. I need to order it soon.

[javy]

I enjoyed this as well. I didn't really understand the whole

[Show spoiler]piss

thing. I mean, it was sexy, and I do take to Freudian psychology for the most part, though I'm not sure if that applies here or not. I did purchase the Blu ray and I need to give it another watch soon.

[MJD64]

Originally Posted by javy

I enjoyed this as well. I didn't really understand the whole

[Show spoiler]piss

thing. I mean, it was sexy, and I do take to Freudian psychology for the most part, though I'm not sure if that applies here or not. I did purchase the Blu ray and I need to give it another watch soon.

I suppose one could chalk it up to artistic license

[Show spoiler]and as horroru observed, yellow/gold is a recurring color in the film, likely prompted by the theft of gold that kicks off the mayhem and carnage.

What I found to be a real head-scratcher was

[Show spoiler]the lassoed breasts which subsequently appear to begin squirting champagne! The sexual imagery in the film is surreal and often humorous

[javy]

Originally Posted by MJD64

I suppose one could chalk it up to artistic license

[Show spoiler]and as horroru observed, yellow/gold is a recurring color in the film, likely prompted by the theft of gold that kicks off the mayhem and carnage.

What I found to be a real head-scratcher was

[Show spoiler]the lassoed breasts which subsequently appear to begin squirting champagne! The sexual imagery in the film is surreal and often humorous

So like, all these attempts to get this gold basically got us

[Show spoiler]pissing in the wind!

[horroru]

Originally Posted by javy

So like, all these attempts to get this gold basically got us

[Show spoiler]pissing in the wind!

I agree, and there are other lots of other interpretations too!

[Show spoiler]Her character's name is "Luce" - I looked up the meaning of the name and found this:
"Italian and French variant of LUCIA. This also means 'light' in Italian."
Not a surprise, that ties into the yellow/gold/sun motif that the character Luce owns throughout the film - whether like in the flashbacks where she's painted gold, or standing with her head backlit by the sun as her piss rains down on the scurrying ants - which reflects the rain that batters the other characters running around - she's like a goddess pissing on everyone.
I want to go watch this again now!!!!

[AstroChicken]

I submitted this blu-ray as a purchase suggestion to my library. I had never made a submission before and expected it to be rejected but they actually ordered it. Can't wait to watch the movie, been wanting to for months but it's not available to stream or rent from Canada.

[horroru]

Originally Posted by AstroChicken

I submitted this blu-ray as a purchase suggestion to my library. I had never made a submission before and expected it to be rejected but they actually ordered it. Can't wait to watch the movie, been wanting to for months but it's not available to stream or rent from Canada.

That's awesome, would love to read your thoughts on it after you watch it!
It's "interpretive" for sure, but I just went in with an open mind know it's not a mainstream piece of cinema, and loved where I let it take my mind.

Not sure if you've seen their previous films AMER and The Strange Colour of Your Body's Tears, but those are two more "challenging" films from these directors. Mainstream they are NOT - Corpses has a 6.3 rating on IMDB, franky I was surprised it was even that high!

[AstroChicken]

Originally Posted by horroru

That's awesome, would love to read your thoughts on it after you watch it!
It's "interpretive" for sure, but I just went in with an open mind know it's not a mainstream piece of cinema, and loved where I let it take my mind.

Not sure if you've seen their previous films AMER and The Strange Colour of Your Body's Tears, but those are two more "challenging" films from these directors. Mainstream they are NOT - Corpses has a 6.3 rating on IMDB, franky I was surprised it was even that high!

I did see Amer nearly a decade ago but I'm overdue for a rewatch. I think I would appreciate it more nowadays. It definitely stayed with me over the years, and probably has been one of the catalysts for my interest in the giallo genre.

I'll try to remember to pop back in with my thoughts on Let the Corpses Tan.