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Created Jun 13, 2011 07:47AM PST • Edited Jun 13, 2011 07:47AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   Catherine Deneuve stars as a young manicurist who slips into a psychotic episode in the movie Repulsion. Shot in 1965, the film chronicles the unraveling world of a woman who seems to be confused and frightened by sex and relationships with men. As she plummets into madness, she becomes increasing distant and hostile towards men in her life, experiencing terrifying visions of sexual violence.

   The movie, which was shot in black and white, was Director Roman Polanski’s first English language film. It has been considered by many to be a classic psychological thriller, and indeed, it creates an increasingly disturbing world, filled with violence and frightening images. But it also is very deliberate in it’s pacing. whereas today’s thrillers tend to be more direct and expedient in creating dramatic tension, Repulsion plays out slowly, almost painfully creating tension that bubbles over in the final 45 minutes. Interestingly, the movie’s subtle use of sounds (or silence in many cases) and images of common household items, such as a cooked rabbit, create most of the initial tension. Clever editing with these items highlights the creativeness of this film, so that when action does erupt on screen, it is almost overwhelming.

   This was the first of Polanski’s “Apartment Trilogy” films, followed by Rosemary’s Baby. While I strongly oppose his personal life choices, I can see why he is considered a brilliant filmmaker.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Catherine Deneuve is brilliant as the young woman slipping into madness. Others in the film come across as more wooden in their approach.

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    OK 2.5

11. Direction Good 3.0

    Polanski’s vision of a thriller is methodical, but well done.

12. Play Barely OK 2.0

    The pace will no tbe for everyone’s liking. But, seeing as how the payoff is in the final 30 minute, I can see why he chose this route. If you choose to watch it, give it time to develop.

13. Music Barely OK 2.0

    Really unremarkable. The sounds that surround the star are more inetgral, such as a bell clanging in the background, or a clock ticking.

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.2

17. Sex Titillating 2.3

    No, nudity, but a few rape fantasy scenes.

18. Violence Brutal 2.7

19. Rudeness Salty 1.6

21. Reality

    Glib 1.9

22. Circumstantial Supernatural 3.3

23. Biological Glib 1.2

24. Physical Glib 1.3