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Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989)
On occasion when watching a film that I know I'll review I have an
issue of "How am I going to review this?" as I find some sort of an
angle to write about. Tetsuo: The Iron Man from Tartan Films is
exactly that type of film. Now, that doesn't really state weather
it's a good or bad film because Tetsuo is certainly something that I
enjoyed. The reason why is because it's so damn off the wall I really
don't know how to explain it without telling everyone exactly what
happens in the movie itself. But before I get into that there are a
few other things that are worth mentioning. First, Shinya Tsukamoto
should be highly commended for this film. Not only did he direct it,
but he was the art director, lighting director, did the editing for
the film, and did all of the special effects. Which by the way are a
bit dated, but are absolutely incredible for 1989. That wouldn't just
be a hard time for anyone making a movie, but to do it in this film is
unbelievable.
Tetsuo is one unique story and I will try my best to explain it to
you without spoiling the movie. It's about a man only known as "Metal
Fetishist" who for whatever reason sticks pieces of scrap metal
throughout his body. As the film goes on, he is hit by "Salaryman"
and his girlfriend driving in a car and possibly kills him. Then
after this occurs the "Salaryman" starts to notice that his body is
overtaken by some sort of a virus causing scrap metal to protrude out
of his body. Then he starts to see that not only is the man he hit
with the car not dead, but is behind the entire thing. Now that may
seem like I gave a lot away, but believe me when I tell you that
seeing it is much more important than ever reading about it. Tetsuo
is a film that is hard to categorize considering it basic concept is
something that is totally off of the map as far as it's content goes,
but it's definitely worth a look to see if it's your cup of tea or
not.
If I was hard pressed to compare Tetsuo to a film that I've seen
there is only one movie that comes to mind, and they are nothing alike
plot wise. That film would be the classic David Lynch film
"Eraserhead", simply because of their bizarre nature and the fact that
they were both filmed in black and white. Tetsuo has very little
dialog, and a very small cast that centers around three people. The
score itself is pretty engaging although it is very loud and
industrial, which is fitting for the film. The way the movie looks
itself is about as effective as it can be, and is really impressive.
It's extremely stylish and has a look about it, although this is a
film that depends on that more than its plot or the way it was
written. There are some really strong scenes visually and although
there are times where you don't know what's going on, yet you are
captivated to see what happens next.
Overall I would recommend Tetsuo as something that people should see,
but be warned. It's not really a film that is for everybody. If you
are into artsy films or David Lynch's stuff then you will really like
this one. If you look for well written films thick with plot and
great dialog then you will want to skip this because I can guarantee
you it's not made for you.
Rating - ***
-Ed Demkoissue of "How am I going to review this?" as I find some sort of an
angle to write about. Tetsuo: The Iron Man from Tartan Films is
exactly that type of film. Now, that doesn't really state weather
it's a good or bad film because Tetsuo is certainly something that I
enjoyed. The reason why is because it's so damn off the wall I really
don't know how to explain it without telling everyone exactly what
happens in the movie itself. But before I get into that there are a
few other things that are worth mentioning. First, Shinya Tsukamoto
should be highly commended for this film. Not only did he direct it,
but he was the art director, lighting director, did the editing for
the film, and did all of the special effects. Which by the way are a
bit dated, but are absolutely incredible for 1989. That wouldn't just
be a hard time for anyone making a movie, but to do it in this film is
unbelievable.
Tetsuo is one unique story and I will try my best to explain it to
you without spoiling the movie. It's about a man only known as "Metal
Fetishist" who for whatever reason sticks pieces of scrap metal
throughout his body. As the film goes on, he is hit by "Salaryman"
and his girlfriend driving in a car and possibly kills him. Then
after this occurs the "Salaryman" starts to notice that his body is
overtaken by some sort of a virus causing scrap metal to protrude out
of his body. Then he starts to see that not only is the man he hit
with the car not dead, but is behind the entire thing. Now that may
seem like I gave a lot away, but believe me when I tell you that
seeing it is much more important than ever reading about it. Tetsuo
is a film that is hard to categorize considering it basic concept is
something that is totally off of the map as far as it's content goes,
but it's definitely worth a look to see if it's your cup of tea or
not.
If I was hard pressed to compare Tetsuo to a film that I've seen
there is only one movie that comes to mind, and they are nothing alike
plot wise. That film would be the classic David Lynch film
"Eraserhead", simply because of their bizarre nature and the fact that
they were both filmed in black and white. Tetsuo has very little
dialog, and a very small cast that centers around three people. The
score itself is pretty engaging although it is very loud and
industrial, which is fitting for the film. The way the movie looks
itself is about as effective as it can be, and is really impressive.
It's extremely stylish and has a look about it, although this is a
film that depends on that more than its plot or the way it was
written. There are some really strong scenes visually and although
there are times where you don't know what's going on, yet you are
captivated to see what happens next.
Overall I would recommend Tetsuo as something that people should see,
but be warned. It's not really a film that is for everybody. If you
are into artsy films or David Lynch's stuff then you will really like
this one. If you look for well written films thick with plot and
great dialog then you will want to skip this because I can guarantee
you it's not made for you.
Rating - ***
