The Facts in The Case of Walerian Borowczyk

[ravenus]

Since WB is supposed to be the focus of an upcoming super-boxset from Arrow, I thought we could have a thread to discuss his movies, so people like me who are generally not familiar with his works can make up their minds about how worthwhile this boxset will prove.

So I saw Immoral Tales last night. It is interesting and EXTREMELY pleasant to look at (assuming you're not easily offended by nudity, incest and unusual sexual practices), but I can't say I find any emotional connect with the film or the characters, and the sexual arousal factor for me hugely dominates over the barbs at religion / politics.

I would love to hear more opinions about this and other WB movies

[dylan32]

Great idea.

I have only seen La Bete and Immoral Tales. The erotic content of both titles was their major attraction. I would not consider buying either on their own, but will if they came as part of a set.

The fact that he influenced Guilliam and the Quays is enough for me to be highly interested in his shorts and animations.

[Skog]

The Facts in The Case of Walerian Borowczyk sounds like a good title for a courtroom drama.

[Blu MacReady]

Originally Posted by Skog

The Facts in The Case of Walerian Borowczyk sounds like a good title for a courtroom drama.

You vant ze truth? You can. not. handle ze truth !

[ravenus]

^Thanks for those informative posts, MB.

[Judex]

The Walerian Borowczyk retrospective starts this weekend at the Leeds Film Festival.

I'm guessing this documentary will make up a portion of the boxset extras's.
http://www.leedsfilm.com/films/obscu...ian-borowczyk/

[Nika]

This box-set is a dream come true. This talented man needs to be seen more! I can't believe this is really happening! I'm going to pledge 150 in that kickstarter campaign!

Not to sound like a greedy kid but are there future plans for a second box with the remaining feature films? La Marge is one of my all time favorite movies and I need it on HD (or on any format really).

Just too bad that Kristel died so she can't do audio-commentary or something, as it was her own favorite movie too.

[Yami]

I've read that Borowzyck made trailers for some of his own films and I've seen Goto and Blanche specifically mentioned. I can't seem to find them online so it would be good if they were uploaded to further tempt anyone on the fence.

[Nika]

Originally Posted by MichaelB

La Marge, Dr Jekyll, Story of Sin and the surviving pre-1959 Polish shorts are top of our list of in-an-ideal-world Borowczyk acquisitions, but all of them are currently hamstrung by complicated rights/materials issues.

Dr Jekyll is probably the most unresolvable right now, with La Marge at least falling into the "just about possible" category. But there are still quite a few hoops to jump through first.

La Marge would be terrific a dream come true (but perhaps a hell with music rights?). And what about Ars Amandi and Immoral Women? I recently bought a German dvd of Lulu which has horrible. Non Anamorphic (it came out this year can you imagine!) and such a faded print.

As I said before keep up this wonderful work and spread the love ! I've pledged and going to spread the word!

[Nika]

Originally Posted by MichaelB

Arrow's primary focus for the moment is on the pre-1975 stuff - i.e. the films that often haven't even come out on DVD and sometimes not on any video medium.

Delving into the later work is trickier, because they're feature films owned by multiple rightsholders - we don't have the neat situation in the box set whereby half the package is owned by Ligia Borowczyk and the other half by Argos Films, both of whom have been exceptionally supportive.

Aha I understand, we'll i'm not complaining I think it's wonderful this is happening. I can hardly wait until may! (what a nice birthday present this set will be!)

[ravenus]

Linked by MichaelB on his Facebook profile:
The Battle of The Beast with the BBFC