601. Salo, or 120 Days of Sodom

Salo, or 120 Days of Sodom
1975
Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini

First I had to read 120 Days of Sodom for the 1001 Book List, then I had to revisit it AGAIN with this list.  Will there be an album adaptation that I have to sit through next?

I am not even going to dignify this movie with a long entry.  It is disgusting, horrifying, and really shouldn't be given any special attention.  It almost ruins the List for me when a film like this is included in The Book, because no one should have to have these images in their brain.  It's something that you will never forget.  And for what?  So some Italian director who is fucked in the head can make some tired point about fascism?

Avoid at all costs.  Now I am upset that my sister is trying to tackle the List as well, because she will have to watch this.  Maybe I can persuade her to do it with a blindfold and ear plugs.  That will still count, right?

RATING: -----

Interesting Facts:

The director was murdered before the film was released.

428. The Gospel According To St. Matthew

The Gospel According to St. Matthew
1964
Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini

I actually had an interesting discussion about this film over at Andrew's blog, although maybe I should not mention that (it is kind of like when small bookstores recommend Amazon when they can't find something).  I meant stay here!  It doesn't get more interesting than right here!

Immediately, I knew this film wasn't for me.  First of all, this director is also responsible for 120 Days of Sodom which I don't even want to discuss until I have to.  Secondly, it is a religious movie and I am an atheist, so it is not exactly like this film is going to do wonders for my faith.  I watched it on YouTube and all of the comments seemed to express how pleased people were that one of their favorite gospels was turned into a movie.  In fact, I highly suspect that watching it was a project for a certain Sunday school class.  I can, of course, watch films that don't expound my own opinions but religious films tend to be over the top and quite dull.

This is the story of Jesus Christ and if you don't know that already, I applaud you because that kind of ignorance would take effort.  Anyway, it is the same story that we have seen thousands of time, with no real interesting twist to keep you interested.  Again, I am sure if you are Christian you really don't need/want a twist on the story and the plot alone is enough to keep you interested.  Alas, that wasn't the case for me.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Incorporated Italian neorealism techniques.

Available on YouTube: