Extreme Cinema: Top 25 Most Disturbing Films of all time – part3

11) (TIED CHOICES)
“Scrapbook” (2000), “The Girl Next Door” (2007), “Breaking Her Will” (2009), “Poughkeepsie Tapes” (2007)

(straight from Wikipedia)

Scrapbook is a horror film about a young woman who is kidnapped, held captive, and repeatedly beaten and raped for several days. The title refers to a scrapbook that her captor uses as a record of the ordeals of his victims. Scrapbook was directed in 1998 by Eric Stanze, and is St. Louis-based production company Wicked Pixel Cinema’s third feature film. In the United States, it was released in 2000 by Sub Rosa Studios, and re-released in 2005 by Image Entertainment. It has also been released internationally, including a censored version released in the UK.

The film stars Emily Haack who gives a mentionable performance for enduring on screen humiliation and abuse, not to mention real sex scenes…aka rape scenes. “The Girl Next Door” showcases a young girl who is captured by some young boys, held in a basement, chained, tortured and humiliated for several days while the mother upstairs reinforces the event. It’s more innocent in nature than “Scrapbook” but is still extremely unsettling to sit thru for any viewer. “Breaking her Will” is similar in premise on a lower budget scale. “Poughkeepsie Tapes” at least in my mind, is the lead in this group. Really twisted, and bizarre all together. All 4 of these are full of sadistic violence and torture, including terror and graphic descriptions. So there ya go! I think you could probably pick and chose moments from each for a round of yeee…

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12) Trilogy: “Slaughtered Vomit Dolls” (2006) / “ReGOREitated Sacrifice” (2008) / “Slow Puke Torture” (2010)

This film really just gives you a headache in addition to the nauseating gore. The editing style is hyper kinetic which on one hand is very impressive but on the other is too much for a full length feature. Lucifer Valentine is one twisted mind. The creator of this mess paints a psychological profile of a 19 year stripper who descends into hell induced satanism and nightmares. The film really hits the mark when it shows excessive vomiting, bloody vomiting and more gore with vomit. I wouldn’t on any level call this a good film but when it comes to disturbing its high on the chart! The film includes a additionally head ache inducing soundtrack and is filmed primarily in reality style video camera footage. Though for what it is, you have to give kudos on the incredibly complex edit job this film excels in. The next 2 films follow the trend of disturbing material that could easily place all 3 in positions but for ease of classification, we’ll enter the Trilogy of films into 1 spot. The 3rd film “Slow Puke Torture” isn’t out yet, but from others who’ve seen it, its more of the same stuff. I thought it fair to team up with its previous 2 buddies. It’s safe to say that your mind will be damaged permanently after these 3.

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13) “Men Behind the Sun” (1988)

This one bases itself on actual Asian history that points back to a camp named Unit 731 and the story of victims who were subjected to cruel experiments at the cost of information during the war. Mainly a subject of extreme nazism it was time when black ops projects were put into effect to test the results of torture and conditions for the benefit of military reports. One scene showcases a cat being torn apart by a roomful of rats among other obscene visual assaults.

Note: The Men Behind the Sun Series has 4 films under this title 2-4 being a form of sequel:

MEN BEHIND THE SUN 1 (1988) – Tun Fei Mou
MEN BEHIND THE SUN 2 (MARUTA 2: LABORATORY OF THE DEVIL) (1992) – Godfrey Ho
MEN BEHIND THE SUN 3 (A NARROW ESCAPE) (1994) – Godfrey Ho
MEN BEHIND THE SUN 4 : BLACK SUN (THE NANKING MASSACRE) (1995) – Tun Fei Mou

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14) “The Untold Story” (aka “Human pork chop”) (1993)

Really one of the top contenders in the ultimate sicko “CAT III” category – This Asian release make no effort to reframe from any taboo and offers zero compassion in doing so. Killing children, families – eating people, rape, Really this is reserved for the hardest of core viewers, good example of CAT III being utilized to the fullest. Also based on a true story!

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15) August Underground’s Trilogy: “AU” (2001), “Mordum” (2003), “Penance” (2007)

This pick had to go on by pure overwhelming fan dedication to these films as a round of not 1 but 3 disturbing films . Thus termed the “August Underground Trilogy“. I have yet to sit through these due to poor production value, however the AU films are ones that always seem to rear there heads on MANY disturbing lists ..which also therefore have earned a permanent spot on ours. The film makers of Toetag continue to churn out extreme films that offer more nastiness and new entries into the disturbing category. There collection features several more extreme controversial films. I think its safe to say that all their films will be in this vein.

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16) “Snuff 102” (2007)

Surrounded in public controversy this pure snuff exploitation film is cruel in every way and unforgiving on screen. It differs from The Guinea pig films in that is actually “has” a plot line and message at its heart once you get past the nastiness. Taboos are exploited at the cost of 3 women being tortured and filmed. The film was so controversial that its web site and trailers were ordered removed.

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17) “Mark of the Devil” (1970)

This is one film I think everyone seeking these kinds of films should see. What is unique here is that the torture, horror and violence is rooted in the days of the 16th -18th century Inquisition. The main witchfinder character Albino played by Reggie Nalder is one of horrors most devious villains. This film created back in the 70’s is famed for its marketing campaigns and gimmicks that also promote this as the most horrific film ever made. The scenes within are strong examples of the torture that the accused endured in those days and will probably disgust you as well as piss you off for the ignorance that the witchhunters and churches held on to in battle against dark forces. Some of the  other films released on this same theme were weak in comparison, though “Mark of the Devil is a true masterpiece of unsettling nature.

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18) “Caligula” (1979) (unrated version only)

I’m not sure if all will agree on my choice of Caligula, mainly because the unrated version was littered with p*rn shots. The richness and unsettling here is the extended scenes of debauchery , torture and just plain weirdness that the Romans inflicted back in the day. Probably most disturbing was the ruling that all new brides had to be consummated by the Romans first before being handed back over to there husbands. Torture and cruelty to women help in making this a disturbing film but it also is a masterpiece of cinema.The film starred giants such as Malcolm McDowell and Peter O’Toole. I never tire of this film for its historical aspect and realism of an era gone mad with power. Word of advice, don’t waste time on the rated version as the best scenes were taken out. Mcdowell as Caligula is one of his greatest roles in cinema. This is also based on a true story of Caligula’s extreme indulgences and reign of power. Another worthy of mention is the film “Caligula: The Untold Story”. The film is based on the real exploits and power reign of Caligula himself.

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19) (TIED CHOICES)
“Last House on the Left” (1972), “I Spit on your Grave” (1978), “Chaos” (2005)

We have 2 classics here that really should be on this list just for historical reasons, though the main theme here is rape. I will tell you though that all 3 films pale in comparison to the 10 or 20 Asian rape films that exist in the CAT III category. Though these are the ones that US audience have either grown up on, experienced or have embedded into their psyches. The 3rd entry is actually a far more brutal title “Chaos” which was planned as a “A House on the Left” remake until the producer changed the title for it to stand on its own. More or less, its in good company with these films. The 70’s rape scenes have there own disturbing nature but in many ways have fallen to the wayside with the new wave of horror intent on bolder, more dramatically in your face rape scenes. All in all, you’ll still have to agree watching them all that they leave a uncomfortable pit in your stomach and therefore are worthy entries here.

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20) “A Serbian Film” (2010)

I knew after seeing this one that it had to be added as a permanent disturbing fixture on this list. So new it’s not even out to the  public yet. This film will make history in its level of contributing disturbing scenes. The film itself is actually one of the better made productions on this list with excellent cinematography and a thought-provoking premise. Taboos are certainly crossed to the fullest extent and perhaps maybe a few new ones. Does it make it that much more compelling? I think most horror fans could never see this film and probably stay virgins on certain visuals rather than take the mental plunge. However for the record, as unclassy as the ideas are… the opportunities they introduce are still handled with cinematic professionalism. Could this mark the era of Serbian film movements? perhaps. I’m betting on more filmmakers to ride this bandwagon into the future lime lights…well see.

 

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21) (TIED CHOICES) – (SEX WITH THE DEAD THEMED FILMS)
“Aftermath:Genesis” (1998), “Visitor Q” (2001), “Nekromantik” (1987),  “NEKROMANTIK 2 (1991) – Jörg Buttgereit“, “Header” (2006)

Sex with the dead is a pretty nasty idea. Filmmakers have taken that to the next level by being more inventive on that subject. Each of these involves some form of that, though i think “Aftermath” is the most gruesome of the bunch. “Header” involves some good old boys and their idea of fun while “Visitor Q”, is actually a bit of the perverse and dark humor side.

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22) (TIED CHOICES) – (SELF MUTILATION THEMED FILMS)
“Antichrist” (2009), “Splatter: Naked Blood” (1995), “Begotten” (1990), “Schramm” (1993) & “Cutting Moments (SHORT) – (PART OF AN ANTHOLOGY) (1997)

I knew that it would be hard to keep these all as single entries when they really excel at one strong factor. This is the art of self mutilation. To be more specific, several of these include self castration and abominations associated with it. “Begotten” starts with a pseudo version of GOD who kills himself to give birth to mother nature. The frames themselves are nightmarish, the film is even weirder. “Cutting Moments” has long been referred to for its nasty lip cutting exercise..then we have “Naked Blood” and “Antichrist” who take to their own reproductive organs. “Schramm” has a nice little ditty that involves penis nailing…in any case, you get the gist here.

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23) “Squirmfest” (1989)

I This film stands alone as so wrong it hurts. Our rather lengthier review will spill out the details though you will note that we really don’t refer to it as a film. It gets an inclusion here because it really is one of the most disturbing things I forced myself to sit thru for its duration. In short…. it’s feces, urination, maggots, worms, and other crap eaten, thrown up ..eaten again …etc. Don’t look for this one, its almost impossible to find. But if you ever do come across it, prepare for the worst. YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!!

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24) Most Disturbing new entry: “Neighbor” (2010)

As I was writing up this article, I had the pleasure of checking out a film I couldn’t ignore mentioning. “Neighbor” the new film starring America Olivo is one helluva torture film. In fact, its safe to say the movie isn’t much more than that. You’ll see what I mean once you’ve sat thru it. As far as plot…well there really wasn’t one. As far as reasoning…..not much there either. But hey, America looks hot even drilling into someone’s kneecap. Though that penis scene….ugh, much to much for inquiring minds. Ya this one is worth a spot on your “make you cringe” shelf.

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25) (TIED CHOICES) – (GORY GUILTY PLEASURE)

“Bone Sickness” (2004), “The Burning Moon” (1992), “Tokyo Gore Police” (2008), “Dead Alive” (1992), “The Gateway Meat” (2009)

Gory guilty pleasures is something that “alot” of films can make claim to in this day and age, in fact…that subject alone could generate its own list. Though to not belabor this entry I chose a few that hands down are strong entries into this category of disturbing. There is plenty of nasty zombie films that fit the bill as well, but these are just plain gory splatter pieces that do just fine in the disturbing but gory entry. Note: Films like “Dead Alive” and “Tokyo  Gore Police” have an air of silliness to them that dampens some of  the gore feeling. But none-the-less, they explode in buckets. “Bone Sickness” goes all out in a memorable gorefest. “The Gateway Meat” is more hardcore feeling combining some elements of torture and “The Burning Moon” contains the nastiest Hell scene set on tape.

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ARTICLE SECTIONS:

Extreme Cinema PART 1 

Extreme Cinema PART 2

Extreme Cinema PART 4