“A gut wrenching, visually scarring, soul crushing knockout blow to the senses!”

Hailed as one of the most disturbing films in existence, nothing can prepare you for 2010’s shocking film, A Serbian Film.  Brought to us by Serbian director Srdjan Spasojevic, in his directorial debut, A Serbian Film pulls no punches and does not disappoint in disturbing its viewer to the core! Screened for the first time at South by Southwest in Austin, TX in 2010, the film quickly gained notoriety for its extreme level of violence and controversial subject matter.

THE PLOT

Legendary Serbian ex-porn star, Milos (Srdjan Todorovic) and his family (wife Marija (Jelena Gavrilovic), and young son Peter) are a simple loving family.  Lately it seems that they are struggling just to make ends meet, largely due to the fact that Milos is retired from the porn business, in which he was VERY successful.  As he spends his nights watching his work, and trying to relive his “glory days”, he wonders what it would be like to go back to that life. He truly loves his family and is very frustrated at their current situation, even though his wife tries hard to remain optimistic.

One day, out of the blue, a former “coworker” of Milos’ contacts him and tells of a new pioneer in the porn business named Vukmir (Sergej Trifunovic).  He is interested in a new wave of “art film” style pornography, and has his sights set on the legendary Milos to be his star.  At first Milos is hesitant to comply, but is definitely interested, so he agrees to meet with the director.  Vukmir embraces Milos as if he is royalty, and does his best to sell his vision by offering an incredible amount of money if Milos would agree to star in his upcoming film.  An offer that is almost impossible to resist because it would set his family up for life.  The only catch….Milos cannot know anything about the plot or theme of the film and must act on direction from Vukmir through an in-ear microphone.  Unsure of what to think, Milos asks his police officer brother, Marko (Slobodan Bestic), to investigate into Vukmir.  After he seems to check out ok, Milos agrees to sign the contract.  As the filming begins, Milos quickly discovers that this particular porn film is much more extreme and uncomfortable to what he had shot in the past.  Deciding that it’s not his cup of tea, he meets back up with Vukmir to respectfully withdraw from any further filming.  Vukmir, however is not about to let his vision go up in smoke so easily, and decides that Milos WILL star in his film, no matter what the cost!  What follows over the next few days, is a nightmare in which Milos could have never imagined, and no one will soon forget!

SHOULD YOU SEE IT?

I have watched this film several times…first time alone, and a couple of other viewings with different people.  I guess I just needed some outside opinions, or something.  It’s a very powerful movie, to say the least.  It’s disturbing, disgusting, shocking, sickening, depressing, and unforgettable.  That being said, it’s also a VERY well made film.  Beautifully shot and wonderfully acted.  Throw in an outstanding soundtrack that sets the mood for each scene, it will really draw you in.  Would I recommend this movie?  Well, to the average movie watcher….probably not.  To someone who is easily offended?  Not at all.  To children?  DEFINITELY NOT!  I would only recommend to someone who asks “I wanna watch the most disturbing movie you have ever seen. Any ideas?”  This movie is a new level of film.  Tough to watch and impossible to “un-see.”  You have been warned!