4 ms·

I'm interested in whether you've seen like Hitchcock's Psycho, which is probably a lot less shocking in the way of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and a lot more often

I'm interested in whether you've seen like Hitchcock's Psycho, which is probably a lot less shocking in the way of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and a lot more often considered a "classic movie" but similarly based on the horrific acts of Ed Gein. If you have, did you feel the same way? If not, what was different about them for you?

JKCalhoun 2y ago
I saw "Psycho" probably over four decades ago. I think I came to it from its reputation — a terrifying film for its time, Hitchcock, apparently a scary shower scene... I would not have judged it when I was that age as to whether it was "self-actualizing art" or not (whatever that means). My only recollection was that I found the ending shocking and unexpected. Learning about it afterwards, I see how there were interesting aspects of "Psycho", particularly for its time, that went over my head when I was young: that the "protagonist" at the start of the film stole money and so should not have been sympathetic, that they switched protagonists half-way through.... It was a departure for sure for Hollywood. I have been working through the "1001 Films to See Before You Die" for a few years now and so have come upon films like "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" at an age now where I seem to have lost my patience for depictions of cruelty. I liked "A Clockwork Orange" when I was younger, like it less now. Another example, I had heard about "Pink Flamingos" from its reputation but only saw it recently due to its being on "1001 Films". Hard pass on that film too (although I like some of John Waters later films).
- slothtrop 2y ago
  At least ACO has some redeeming qualities, like exploring the human condition, the nature of good vs evil, etc.
- dayjah 2y ago
  A Clockwork Orange is a really great example of how ultra-violence in film doesn’t age well. In the past I could watch the events in the rich folks’ home and understand the actions the Droogs took were bad, thus they deserved their respective punishments. I felt able to discuss their punishments and whether it was okay for the state to enact violence in response to violent offenders. But now… that scene absolutely horrifies me,- the sheer wanton violence of it is just too much and as such I’ve stopped watching the film entirely. All that has changed in that time, I think, is that I’ve grown older (approx. 20 years). Presumably in that time I’ve better learned about the long term impact of violence. Perhaps I’ve become more empathetic as I’ve matured. Either way, it culminates in no longer being able to recommend A Clockwork Orange as a “must watch”. (I’m being sensitive around potential triggers in my description of the scene).
  - JKCalhoun 2y ago
    Yeah, I don't understand when people describe "A Clockwork Orange" as a dark comedy. I don't remember a time when rape was funny, darkly or otherwise.

JKCalhoun 2y ago

I saw "Psycho" probably over four decades ago. I think I came to it from its reputation — a terrifying film for its time, Hitchcock, apparently a scary shower scene... I would not have judged it when I was that age as to whether it was "self-actualizing art" or not (whatever that means). My only recollection was that I found the ending shocking and unexpected. Learning about it afterwards, I see how there were interesting aspects of "Psycho", particularly for its time, that went over my head when I was young: that the "protagonist" at the start of the film stole money and so should not have been sympathetic, that they switched protagonists half-way through.... It was a departure for sure for Hollywood. I have been working through the "1001 Films to See Before You Die" for a few years now and so have come upon films like "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" at an age now where I seem to have lost my patience for depictions of cruelty. I liked "A Clockwork Orange" when I was younger, like it less now. Another example, I had heard about "Pink Flamingos" from its reputation but only saw it recently due to its being on "1001 Films". Hard pass on that film too (although I like some of John Waters later films).

slothtrop 2y ago
At least ACO has some redeeming qualities, like exploring the human condition, the nature of good vs evil, etc.
dayjah 2y ago
A Clockwork Orange is a really great example of how ultra-violence in film doesn’t age well. In the past I could watch the events in the rich folks’ home and understand the actions the Droogs took were bad, thus they deserved their respective punishments. I felt able to discuss their punishments and whether it was okay for the state to enact violence in response to violent offenders. But now… that scene absolutely horrifies me,- the sheer wanton violence of it is just too much and as such I’ve stopped watching the film entirely. All that has changed in that time, I think, is that I’ve grown older (approx. 20 years). Presumably in that time I’ve better learned about the long term impact of violence. Perhaps I’ve become more empathetic as I’ve matured. Either way, it culminates in no longer being able to recommend A Clockwork Orange as a “must watch”. (I’m being sensitive around potential triggers in my description of the scene).
- JKCalhoun 2y ago
  Yeah, I don't understand when people describe "A Clockwork Orange" as a dark comedy. I don't remember a time when rape was funny, darkly or otherwise.