A Serbian Film – Review
There are lines in cinema that, while invisible, film makers just do not cross. Here in the States, we have the MPAA that governs what is right and wrong, and justifies it in a rating system they feel we can trust is accurate to what the film holds. Other countries have these parameters too, and whether we agree or disagree with the methods, it seems like this entity acts as a society accepted form of decency. Free from these constraints, A Serbian Film (Srpski film) opens the window to a world that showcases an unrestricted form of film making, for better or for worse, is also a masterpiece of lawlessness.
More so than just the freedom to show and talk about taboos and indecency, A Serbian Film, must be – at first – viewed within director SrÄ‘an Spasojević’s intentions. While the political landscape in Serbia is largely unknown to most Americans since we cannot see past the turmoil in the Middle East, SrÄ‘an Spasojević paints the Serbian lifestyle and culture as a dangerous, vile, and permanently terrorized one. Googling current events in Serbia, backs up Spasojević’s stance on his country. Using this as a foundation for what we are about to see in A Serbian Film is absolutely key to actually appreciating it, but from here on out, what is showcased in A Serbian Film is undeniably tough to watch, and while that’s his point, as the film is politically motivated like Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma, 1975).
Both films are pretty much one in the same, but focusing on different country woes. Like Salò, A Serbian Film courts controversy and especially in a Western movie-goer’s eyes, there’s scenes that are inevitably vile to any liberal or conservative taste. That’s the damning nature of the film, even if that was its agenda. Again, that’s why it is imperative to understand current Serbian politics, because the country is riddled with violence against men, women, and children. The film spares no one. The plot of the film follows an ex-porn star into one last hurrah with an up-and-coming art director who promises this porn film will his resurrection as an artist. On a side note, the Serbian porn industry woes in the country serve as a backdrop as well, and cannot be dimissed, but I don’t think it is imperative to know, unlike other ideas to like or dislike the film.
It’s too easy to damn or like the film for surface-level reasons. It isn’t sheepish about what it shows and fans of the Emmanuel erotic film series might misunderstand A Serbian Film‘s use of nudity and sex. Also, even praising the film can have a damaging repercussion for a critic, as a sequence called “newborn porn” is evil and taboo in our country, even if it was a visual metaphor how Serbian citizen feel as they are raped of their innocence from birth.
Shock Art doesn’t exist in film, thus A Serbian Film isn’t shock art, even if it straddles the definition closely. Film as a medium consists of movement, while something like the Piss Christ (here), a 1987 photograph by artist Andres Serrano, has lost its shock value. It hits you once, but with film that initial hit has lasting effects since we’re forced to go on with a scene, a theme, making the shock have momentum, something a photo does not have. And with this, comes why A Serbian Film works, when stuff like the controversial sequence should hurt it.
As a film, SrÄ‘an Spasojević (a first time director, I might add) has created a drama or a horror film, that has incredible power. As we follow the ex-porn star MiloÅ¡ (SrÄ‘an Todorović) down this trippy, dark, violent, disgusting rabbit hole, it’s also apparent there’s few films that have this driving power. It’s also too easy to call A Serbian Film a “torture porn” film, but they do share similar traits. Aiding this, is a provocative score by Sky Wikluh.
Despite the controversy most have read on the Internet, those elements don’t really kick in until the hour mark, surprising that in the next 45 minutes, A Serbian Film earns its now notorious reputation. As much as A Serbian Film acts as a politically commentary for that country, due to its extreme nature, also accidentally acts as a social commentary to our day and age where the Internet is used to see stuff forbidden in daily lives. In a little over a decade since the introduction of the Internet, sex has changed. The increase of hardcore and extreme acts of sex seem more common than the simple position of missionary. We live not only in a post-9/11 world, but a post 2 Girls 1 Cup (here) world. And with that, I don’t doubt that many won’t find A Serbian Film as shocking as the controversy suggested.
I think Randall Graves sums up why, for better or for worse, for or ignorant to the director’s intentions behind A Serbian Film, that there’s an audience for the film (from Clerks II): “What’s the point in having an Internet connection if you’re not using it to look up weird, f*cked-up pictures of dirty sex you’ll never have yourself?” Sad, but true. It’ll go down as the most controversial film perhaps ever released, as I gather few will see the film unedited. It bypasses Salò in its extreme political message, yet it’s so overly heavy-handed in the visualization of those messages, it’ll get lost behind the film’s extreme sequences. But it is also an interesting film that gives us a glimpse into a Serbian world rarely discussed, cultural significant, and a showcase of film-making without laws. It’ll be endlessly hated and debated.
Rating: 
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This is the kind of review people need to be reading regarding this film. A lot of what I had read let me to believe this film was something else entirely. It wasn’t what I expected at all, and certainly a lot of the content had been greatly exaggerated. Deep down the director has a lot to say about his country, and a lot of the scenes are certainly representing different things. I didn’t actually really care for this film, however strong production on this film certainly made it stand out from some cheap exploitation piece.
Jon Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 7:02 am
It’s great getting comments like this. You’re right, too. There were plenty of reviews that focused on the shallow aspects, either condeming the violence and sex or cheaply praising the sex. Odd.
I don’t know where I stand on liking the film as entertainment or buying the DVD (if it ever comes to Region 1), but as a film, as something to discuss (which I have more than any other film since Inception), I dug it.
But I do own that fancy Criterion Collection DVD set of Salo…
Marcey Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
I do believe Salo has just been released here in OZ after having been banned since it’s release. I find these kinds of films interesting, not because of how sick they can be but the reason’s why they have felt the need to show what they do show.
You make a great point about the scene with the baby in A Serbian Film, and I think most wouldn’t even pick that up. As far as watching that scene, it looks awfully silly and fake and due to that nature I thought it was just dumb. And after reading many reviews which focused on that, having actually seen it I have to wonder if many reviewers had seen it, their description was all wrong.
It is like when Ken Park attempted to get screened here and it was shut down, people were basing their opinions on what they had heard and acted as if they had seen the film. Once I did see it, it was obvious they had no idea what they were talking about.
Jon Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
They never do. Just see it and make the judgment yourself is the best advice. Also, that scene is pretty suggestive too.
Marcey Papandrea Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
I agree, I don’t think you can judge films (especially one like this) if you haven’t seen it. You can say fair enough I don’t want to see it because I don’t like the content, but to make actual judgments sight unseen, I don’t think so.
Again thanks for a fantastic review, really happy it is out there
Jon Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 5:18 am
A lot of films don’t warrant a 950 word review, but I couldn’t concieve writing this any shorter. Whether someone likes the film or not, it warrants discussion. So thanks for seeing my point on the review, even when you were “meh” about the film.
It’s what we at Killer Film try to do, film in and film out. Fans need to know the truth, not the fluff.
Marcey Papandrea Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 6:01 pm
I didn’t think it was a good, I mean it is well made and it has fantastic performances (especially considering the subject matter), but I do feel perhaps the director could have made his point differently.
The film does need to be discussed rather than dismissed.
See I knew there was a reason I love this website
)
Donny Broussard Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 7:57 pm
I’m torn when it comes to films like this. On one hand, as a filmmaker I don’t see a reason to push this hard, but I do understand why artists do it. However I feel that this director did this for shock value, because he knows that putting scenes like these in a film will get people talking and that’s what sells movies. There’s a fine line between commercial film and art, and I’m not so sure this film was intended for art audiences, and if it was then the press and social media have pushed it in the wrong direction. I’m just saying.
Jon Reply:
October 23rd, 2010 at 9:17 am
Well, it is interesting from a marketing stand point to how this will be sold on DVD, if it ever comes to Region 1.
Marcey Papandrea Reply:
October 23rd, 2010 at 4:35 pm
How do you market such a film though? I do believe it is knee deep in trouble in Serbia itself now.
There is no way this will ever get a release here in Australia. I mean films like Salo and Cannibal Holocaust for example have just had their ban lifted.
Jon Reply:
October 24th, 2010 at 4:58 am
I know, that’s crazy.
Great review, Jon!
Did you know: Serrano’s work “Blood and Semen III” is used as the cover of heavy metal band Metallica’s “Load,” while “Piss and Blood” is used on “ReLoad.”
Can you drop this off for me to see at some point? I don’t envision this film playing in Omaha. Keep up the great work! Steve
Jon Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 9:46 am
That’s interesting about Metallica and Serrano. Sadly, outside of that photo I know little of his work.
Thanks; the film is perhaps the roughest, grittiest, sleaziest, watch around, even past Salo.
Sadly, “Piss Christ” and the Mapplethorpe exhibit in Cincy (with the nude black guy with the bullwhip you-know-where) were renowned in 1989 as the result of a clarion call by the religious right for reduced funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.
Jon Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Typical, that’s why I’m sure it’ll be a struggle to get this on DVD here in the States.
I never really liked Salo or Cannibal Holocaust, so this doesn’t seem to be up my alley, but the review was great.
Interesting review.
Heard about this film a few months ago, the scene with the newborn basically killed my interest in seeing it.
Jon Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 8:26 am
Yes, that scene is rough, but it’s also pretty suggestive. Thanks for the compliment about the review. It’s a tough cookie to “review”, but in the end, one must look at the director’s intentions first, followed by your perspective, since that’s all any review is, and try to judge unbiasly (but that never happens in a review, since they’re opinions).
I try to be a gray area so I can accurately judge a film. If you ever see it, I’ll be happy to hear your thoughts.
Horrorchic Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 8:47 am
If I ever do, this will probably be a One and Done for me.
Like with Irreversible, I Spit On Your Grave, Last House on the Left,Passion of the Christ and Tim Roth’s The War Zone.
Some films impact resonates more if only seen once.
After reading your review,I think A Serbian Film fits that bill as well.
JM0
Jon Reply:
October 23rd, 2010 at 9:22 am
You’re spot on.
Great review. I’m pretty conflicted about this film really, i’m someone that prior to this would of thought i could watch most things in a fictional film without much problem but some scenes in this really pushed it for me. Having said that on the whole i’d have to say its a great film especially if you read about what the director wanted to get across. Its one that ive tried to show to all of my friends that could handle it as its just so rare that any film has the impact that this has. Its not a nice film but its worth watching for the people that will get it.
Jon Reply:
October 23rd, 2010 at 9:20 am
Yeah, it’s definately for a niche crowd. Horror fans or art flm fans might be split, but if they dug Salo, then this is for them.
Marcey Papandrea Reply:
October 23rd, 2010 at 4:36 pm
It’s hard to dig a film like Salo, but in the same vein they’ve used such shock value to tell a political story.
It’s nice to read a review like this. I thought the film was quite astonishing. Horrific, vile, repugnant, yes, but astonishing.
The points that many reviewers, who are getting lost in their revulsion are missing with this film are plentiful. The first, for me, is the fact that, this isn’t simple exploiatation, or glorification of misery, suffering, and worse. You’re meant to be horrified by whats happening. Rather than a Saw, or Hostel type film where the audience is encouraged to be entertained by a succession of ludicrous deaths and violent imagery, this film never encourages, or entertains you by it’s violence and misery. What is worse? A film which glorifies in it’s violence, or a film which exposes the brutality for the horror it really is?
I’ve seen plenty of films which, at the time shocked me. I’ve seen plenty, that have been built up as the worst thing ever, and have been nowhere close (Cannibal Holocaust is one such film). This film, on the other hand, is as horrific as it’s made out to be. The problem is, that when people list the scenes without the context (baby, lejla, end sequence) of the rest of the film, it makes it that much worse. Whilst I’d never suggest anyone watch this film, because it WILL offend people to extremes they didn’t think possible, I would also ask people not to judge it, just because of the description of certain images within. As i’ve repeated, it’s an astonishing piece of cinema, with some incredible performances, by actors we’ve never heard of. Although, that said, I’ll never watch it again….
Jon Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 8:50 am
Thanks for such a great comment, TMAN1977. You’re right on a lot of points, namely, how people aren’t viewing it objectively, something I tried to do.
TMAN1977 Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 9:17 am
Thanks Jon. I’m encouraged there are reviewers out there with the sense to do so. Many people will hate this film, and, that is totally their choice. I can even understand why. I do, however, feel it’s a cheap shot of reviewers, to simply list the 3 or 4 worst scenes (and YES, those scenes are really, really unpleasant!) to horrify people into not seeing a film because they, the reviewer, didn’t like it.
For me, that’s the biggest shame, because the soical comments – I can’t honestly comment on the political aspects, having never lived in a war torn country – that the film brings up ; societies desensitisation to both sex and violence are incredibly relevant in todays society, and the fact that this film is quite evidently scathing towards these lowering of our moral standards, shows it, in my mind, to be potentially a more important film than those decrying it’s horror realise.
Sorry, anyway Jon, i’ve waffled on a bit too much there. Keep up the good work
Jon Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 9:31 am
No, I enjoyed your views and comments, which are more valid than the three people I just talked too who haven’t seen it, as they were immediately condeming it. Come back often!
I only learned about A Serbian Film yesterday after happening upon the trailer online. Since that discovery, I have read as many reviews and synopses of the film as I could find. I was only able to sit through Salo after years of reading enough critical reviews to prepare psychologically. But I don’t feel compelled to seek out A Serbian Film if it is ever widely released (I’ve read that Invincible Films will release it here in the US in February but I’ll believe it when I (don’t) see it).
The makers of A Serbian Film claim that the horrific acts depicted really did happen, so what I do feel compelled to do is to read as extensively as I can about Serbia and try to understand how and why they could ever happen in a supposedly civilized modern world. I hope a thorough, honest, and definitive documentary of the ethnic cleansing in the Balkans will be made some day. Until then, there is A Serbian Film. Maybe theaters showing the film should make reading lists available to give the film political context that you touch upon in your review.
Jon Reply:
December 12th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Thanks. It’ll be interesting to see how they choose to market the film here in the States. Would selling it as a political film over an exploitation film sell to a ticket buyer? Time will tell. Thanks again for your great insight and comment!
TMAN1977 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 5:59 am
I’m not sure, personally that it needs to be sold as a political film, rather than an exploitation one. The same as, I don’t think you need to have an intricate understanding of the Balkans war to take things from this film. There are, for me, enough subtexts in the film – deliberate or not – without even looking at the above. And it’s clearly so much more than exploitation.
It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen it, and I still can’t shake the film from my head. That’s not a pleasant thing, but it’s unusual for a film to make me think so much, for so long. I’m beginning to think the director is in fact an evil genius…..
Jon Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 6:12 am
The score goes a long way in creeping us out after viewing. But if they sell it as a strictly exploitation film, I think in some ways that would help it in getting more exposure, yet would do a disservice to the film. I would like to see what demographic they aim at, too.
TMAN1977 Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 7:49 am
Been an interesting back and forth Jon. Can I ask you if you’ve seen any other Serbian cinema? Lepa Sela Lepo Gore (Pretty Village, Pretty Flame) is possibly the best war movie i’ve seen – stands right up there alongside your Full Metal Jackets, etc. Life and Death of a Porno Gang is a similar film in many ways to ASF, but for me not as hard hitting and powerful. Then you have Zone of The Dead, which is bizaare (Ken Foree in a Serbian made zombie flick set in Belgrade), but worth seeing if you like that sort of thing.
Jon Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 9:12 am
Heard about those films, but unfortantely, as of today, no I have had the pleasure yet.
I guess I’m concerned that without any political context, a sizable enough segment of moviegoers will see A Serbian Film as the future of the genre resulting in a spate of cheap imitations made by lesser filmmakers as a means only to cash in on a hot new trend and up the sexgore ante without a moral compass or underlying message.
Said Eli Roth in GQ magazine:
“Among the horror geeks, it’s kinda the movie that’s making the rounds right now. People talk about “The Human Centipede” and they go, “Yeah, but have you seen ‘A Serbian Film’?” It’s becoming that movie.”
http://www.gq.com/blogs/the-q/2010/08/the-verge-qa-horror-auteur-eli-roth-on-the-years-scariest-scenes-and-his-wet-t-shirt-contest-injury.html#ixzz181pQuI7t
It’s one thing to want to make the next Hostel but do we really want A Serbian Film to become a franchise? Even 35 years after its release, there are still people who have no idea that Salo was made as a political statement and that Pasolini was (in all likelihood) murdered for having dared to make it. They post on IMDb wanting only to know how ‘gross’ it is while missing the point completely.
Jon Reply:
December 14th, 2010 at 9:14 am
Totally, that’s what I’ve been dealing with since my review is rather positive, when others are like you said down towards it or missing the point. It knows what to do with violence and how to use it for an effect, unlike Roth.
Yes, A Serbian Film is becoming “that film”. We will be talking about this one for years. Thanks for a great comment, too.
Okay Jon, I just finished watching this film.
The sexual depravity of man and cheap reguard for human life, is like a bottomless pit. There is to limit to how low it can sink.
That’s what I got from A Serbian film.
Noticed above that some want to lump A Serbian Film into the same box with Human Centipede and Hostel. If so, then the message/statement the director was trying to convey is lost to them.
Those films are a them park ride, this is not.
Could or has something like this happened here has?
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmm maybe.
Could or has it happened in Serbia?
I’d go with the latter,yes.
Prior to watching, I purposely avoided reading anything on-line that would spoil it for me. So aside from the newborn scene, I went in totally blind. The final act hit me like a gut punch, especially end scene and last bit of dialogue.
“Come on, start with the little one.”
Oh yes, this is a ONE and DONE for me.
8/10
Jon Reply:
January 3rd, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Good assessment there. The film’s climax was a deep punch to the gut, for sure. Not going to argue that like you, for most, it’s a one and done. I do think the political allegory is sort of lost.
Good view points!
horrorchic Reply:
January 3rd, 2011 at 3:45 pm
The Ringmaster to this depravity was just a cog in the wheel, who got his come uppance. Only for another one to immediatley take his place.
SMDH…
Milos’s brother, what a piece of work goes there huh?
Wow, just WOW!