Personally, I think Salo is just a terrible movie overall. I think it ruins itself with setting up a symbolic gesture, only to destroy it with a literal and brutal translation and demonstration. I could get the messages and symbolism without the nudity and gross out moments. It's just gross, out of place, and takes takes such a literal approach that it any sense of a meaningful message is lost on the viewer. If other people like it, that's fine. But not my kind of film at all.
I have always been into disturbing/controversial films, so I was intrigued when I heard this film and book had been banned in some countries. So, I read a little of the book online, and decided to rent the film. I do take responsibility and agree that I probably should've not watched it. The symbolism is fascinating, but I couldn't stomach the visuals. Just sayin'. I wasn't criticizing you or the critique..so chill.
@Hallyism I didn't mean to imply anything other than i didn't know if you meant the film or the critique, it was a vague comment and IceCreamSuit obviously thought you meant the critique was all so no harm done, there was just a misunderstanding :0)
@Hallyism I don't know what you were expecting to see here, but if it was rainbows and kittens, then the warning at the start told you otherwise. Take responsibility for your actions and don't try to lay a guilt trip on someone who has gone to great trouble to make sure people who are easily offended, such as yourself, are given fair warning about the subject matter of the video they are about to watch.
Another brilliant review, Glenn! I was debating whether or not to watch this movie solely based on the large amount of possible offensive content, but I never would have guessed that this actually had a meaning. Many people on the imdb forums simply see this as a depraved movie, but I'm glad someone is able to see past that and find a statement presented int his film in order to justify its content.
This is a excellent video explaining the movie in a intelligent way. Now if those who want it banned saw this video it will change their mind. I own a copy of this film and no way will I give it up.
What I do find interesting is that Salo, in spite of its controversy, was defended by John Trevelyan, the Chief Censor of the BBFC, who showed up in his dressing gown and slippers when police raided a London club that was showing it. Then it survived the Video Nasty scare, and was released uncut in 2000 in the UK, where the BFI have now preserved this film in its glory.
@joelsttn That was actually Andy Warhol's 'Flesh' that you're thinking of there. Salo was after Trevelan left. I kinda get the feeling that even he (and he was a very interesting guy) would not have been able to pass this film
Hey Glenn, this is a brilliant first part of Salo, which when I first saw it in 1995, was very disturbing and very well made by Pasolini. If anyone objects to this review, you have my full support for what you're doing.
Very, very interesting take on the subtext of the movie. I think you're right, the movie functions much more effectively as a comment on capitalism. It's more profound that way. As an allegory about communism, there's little to it other than an exploration of the breaking of the people's will. But as an allegory of capitalism/commercialism, so much takes on an entirely new depth of meaning. Fascinating! I look forward to part 2!
A truly amazing piece of work, Glenn. And it's only part 1. I was absolutely spellbound by this video. This is such a thorough breakdown of an extraordinarily difficult film. Congratulations. This video is unlike any of its kind on YouTube.
Brilliant work Glenn, you have a great talent for breaking down the more impenetrable movies with amazing depth and a clarity that makes them accessible to the layman. I found this film incredibly hard to watch. Not the content so much as the style, which is so effective at disassociating the viewer from the content that it became almost boring. (although I'm now eager to rewatch with added insight.)
(Also nice to see you making such good use of the extended runtime of your videos.)
@davidscribe I agree about the extended runtime. He used it very well with this review, with the intro sequence, breaking down the sections of the film... just excellent work. This might be a case where watching a critical analysis video of a film is more entertaining than watching the actual film itself, LOL. Salo is a tough one, but like you said, I want to rewatch it with the capitalist subtext in mind, as Glenn pointed out.
@davidscribe Thanks David. I'm just re-watching a few of your previous reviews at the moment and I can turn your compliments straight back at you. I hope you can find time to make a new review at some point in the not too distant future mate.
that has to be your best yet and thank god for youtube lifting the time limits lol. I've finally got this one coming on dvd. Another 1 of thoses that missed the DDP list being banned before the list. Is one of thoses disturbing ones that at times is so hard to watch. It just gets you thinking why do we all want to see this film in the first place when we know the nature of the film.
@ministryofdarkness85 I think the fascination come in no small part due to it being so infamous. It's certainly not a fun film to watch but it is very interesting
Now that it's finally here, I can't believe all of us that follow Glenn's reviews were so excited to see a review of a movie in which there is force feeding of shit..... AWESOMES.
@lampyman101 You speak very fluently and you have an understanding on the elements and principals of what makes a good story and a good movie (No matter the subject matter or how "out there" the ideas are). I'd say look into it man. As a filmmaker myself i'd personally love to see what you can do.
Superb review! You've taken it to a whole new level. You picked up on thing that had gone straight over my head! Though in my defence, i saw this movie about 25 years ago. Can't wait for the next part!
Brilliant Glenn. You do not disappoint in the least. Though there is one aspect that I noticed, Maybe it's just me. But as the film goes, more of the victims become more willingly compliant and yet the libertines rather then being pleased with this development, they become more depraved and brutal in their treatment of the victims. I found this aspect fascinating as the libertines seem to revel in wanting rather then having. And having the victims so pliant, becomes boring to them.
Why would anyone smile? Smiling can be an expression of fear.
RingshadowCat 4 days ago
bet the one dislike was from someone who expected pornography.
kedarguru 2 weeks ago
Once again, a brilliant and highly sophisticated interpretation of a controversial film.
oddeoddeify 1 month ago
Personally, I think Salo is just a terrible movie overall. I think it ruins itself with setting up a symbolic gesture, only to destroy it with a literal and brutal translation and demonstration. I could get the messages and symbolism without the nudity and gross out moments. It's just gross, out of place, and takes takes such a literal approach that it any sense of a meaningful message is lost on the viewer. If other people like it, that's fine. But not my kind of film at all.
10191927 9 months ago
I have always been into disturbing/controversial films, so I was intrigued when I heard this film and book had been banned in some countries. So, I read a little of the book online, and decided to rent the film. I do take responsibility and agree that I probably should've not watched it. The symbolism is fascinating, but I couldn't stomach the visuals. Just sayin'. I wasn't criticizing you or the critique..so chill.
Hallyism 10 months ago
@Hallyism I didn't mean to imply anything other than i didn't know if you meant the film or the critique, it was a vague comment and IceCreamSuit obviously thought you meant the critique was all so no harm done, there was just a misunderstanding :0)
lampyman101 10 months ago
this video gave me anxiety and nausea.
Hallyism 11 months ago
@Hallyism I don't know what you were expecting to see here, but if it was rainbows and kittens, then the warning at the start told you otherwise. Take responsibility for your actions and don't try to lay a guilt trip on someone who has gone to great trouble to make sure people who are easily offended, such as yourself, are given fair warning about the subject matter of the video they are about to watch.
IceCreamSuit 10 months ago
@IceCreamSuit I'm not sure if this person was talking about the critique or the film...
lampyman101 10 months ago
@Hallyism If you meant you saw the movie Salo once, and it made you nauseous, then I apologise for my comment.
IceCreamSuit 10 months ago
Another brilliant review, Glenn! I was debating whether or not to watch this movie solely based on the large amount of possible offensive content, but I never would have guessed that this actually had a meaning. Many people on the imdb forums simply see this as a depraved movie, but I'm glad someone is able to see past that and find a statement presented int his film in order to justify its content.
haseo18615 1 year ago
This is a excellent video explaining the movie in a intelligent way. Now if those who want it banned saw this video it will change their mind. I own a copy of this film and no way will I give it up.
murasakiahiru 1 year ago
In Pasolini's communist viewpoint, fascism was just another face of capitalism.
PlanetariumVagatio 1 year ago
You're right Glenn. I always think of that incident as being with this film, instead of 'Flesh'.
joelsttn 1 year ago
What I do find interesting is that Salo, in spite of its controversy, was defended by John Trevelyan, the Chief Censor of the BBFC, who showed up in his dressing gown and slippers when police raided a London club that was showing it. Then it survived the Video Nasty scare, and was released uncut in 2000 in the UK, where the BFI have now preserved this film in its glory.
joelsttn 1 year ago
@joelsttn That was actually Andy Warhol's 'Flesh' that you're thinking of there. Salo was after Trevelan left. I kinda get the feeling that even he (and he was a very interesting guy) would not have been able to pass this film
lampyman101 1 year ago
@joelsttn
The film is smug and full of self-righteous symbolism. Of course the BBFC would defend it.
SomeGuyYeah007 4 months ago
@SomeGuyYeah007 It's controversial, and brilliant. One of Pasolini's best.
joelsttn 4 months ago
Hey Glenn, this is a brilliant first part of Salo, which when I first saw it in 1995, was very disturbing and very well made by Pasolini. If anyone objects to this review, you have my full support for what you're doing.
joelsttn 1 year ago
Salo has recently been released in Australia uncut on DVD and Blu-ray (I live in Australia)
MilknPopcorn 1 year ago
Very, very interesting take on the subtext of the movie. I think you're right, the movie functions much more effectively as a comment on capitalism. It's more profound that way. As an allegory about communism, there's little to it other than an exploration of the breaking of the people's will. But as an allegory of capitalism/commercialism, so much takes on an entirely new depth of meaning. Fascinating! I look forward to part 2!
dannydontgoin237 1 year ago
thanks for taking the time and effort to create a thoughtful and nuanced review of this very difficult film.
turtlewings 1 year ago
A truly amazing piece of work, Glenn. And it's only part 1. I was absolutely spellbound by this video. This is such a thorough breakdown of an extraordinarily difficult film. Congratulations. This video is unlike any of its kind on YouTube.
thebrb30000 1 year ago
good analysis mr. criddle.
AgnosticCoffee 1 year ago
Brilliant work Glenn, you have a great talent for breaking down the more impenetrable movies with amazing depth and a clarity that makes them accessible to the layman. I found this film incredibly hard to watch. Not the content so much as the style, which is so effective at disassociating the viewer from the content that it became almost boring. (although I'm now eager to rewatch with added insight.)
(Also nice to see you making such good use of the extended runtime of your videos.)
davidscribe 1 year ago
@davidscribe I agree about the extended runtime. He used it very well with this review, with the intro sequence, breaking down the sections of the film... just excellent work. This might be a case where watching a critical analysis video of a film is more entertaining than watching the actual film itself, LOL. Salo is a tough one, but like you said, I want to rewatch it with the capitalist subtext in mind, as Glenn pointed out.
thebrb30000 1 year ago
@davidscribe Thanks David. I'm just re-watching a few of your previous reviews at the moment and I can turn your compliments straight back at you. I hope you can find time to make a new review at some point in the not too distant future mate.
lampyman101 1 year ago
So many black bars, and yet I get the feeling that this is the least sexy film ever made, especially for one that's been called pornagraphy.
n11n12 1 year ago
@n11n12 You're quite right, there is nothing sexy about this at all.
lampyman101 1 year ago
great stuff glenn... you are the only one that could attempt this one ... look forward to the next one
tvdxrools 1 year ago
that has to be your best yet and thank god for youtube lifting the time limits lol. I've finally got this one coming on dvd. Another 1 of thoses that missed the DDP list being banned before the list. Is one of thoses disturbing ones that at times is so hard to watch. It just gets you thinking why do we all want to see this film in the first place when we know the nature of the film.
ministryofdarkness85 1 year ago
@ministryofdarkness85 I think the fascination come in no small part due to it being so infamous. It's certainly not a fun film to watch but it is very interesting
lampyman101 1 year ago
Another great review as always.
bitemyshinnymetalass 1 year ago
Now that it's finally here, I can't believe all of us that follow Glenn's reviews were so excited to see a review of a movie in which there is force feeding of shit..... AWESOMES.
MrDonkeydong155 1 year ago
@MrDonkeydong155 LOL
lampyman101 1 year ago
great work mate, looking forward to part 2 ;)
NickyGlasgowCeltic 1 year ago
Glenn, you are simply amazing. You really put so much thought and effort into these reviews. Have you ever thought about writing a script yourself?
TheForgottenFlesh 1 year ago
@TheForgottenFlesh It's something that has crossed my mind. I'm not a very experienced writer though.
lampyman101 1 year ago
@lampyman101 You speak very fluently and you have an understanding on the elements and principals of what makes a good story and a good movie (No matter the subject matter or how "out there" the ideas are). I'd say look into it man. As a filmmaker myself i'd personally love to see what you can do.
TheForgottenFlesh 1 year ago
@lampyman101 Honestly a guy like you would make an excellent journalist.
parsleysprigs 1 year ago
thumbs up # 13
unknownwizdom 1 year ago
Superb review! You've taken it to a whole new level. You picked up on thing that had gone straight over my head! Though in my defence, i saw this movie about 25 years ago. Can't wait for the next part!
mainline6 1 year ago
Brilliant Glenn. You do not disappoint in the least. Though there is one aspect that I noticed, Maybe it's just me. But as the film goes, more of the victims become more willingly compliant and yet the libertines rather then being pleased with this development, they become more depraved and brutal in their treatment of the victims. I found this aspect fascinating as the libertines seem to revel in wanting rather then having. And having the victims so pliant, becomes boring to them.
AduneStormwind 1 year ago
great video :)
metallicaguitarfan 1 year ago
This is why I (and most likely others) Nagged you for this review. We knew you would Deliver! Bravo mate and thankyou
ichater 1 year ago
You're making good use of the longer format videos.
Ashloomis 1 year ago
i don't understand why i cant watch this movie. ive seen a lot of disturbing movies too.
etoilediva 1 year ago
@etoilediva Same here. It's disturbing, but it's also really sad. They didn't do anything to deserve it.
AandR1408 1 year ago
@AandR1408 That's true of so many things in the world though isn't it
lampyman101 1 year ago
what a treat, just about to go to bed then i see this video in my subscriptions, another good job mate, keep it up !
mrbeanistotalyrad 1 year ago
@mrbeanistotalyrad same thing happened with me, haha
VVD 1 year ago
Great in depth critique Glenn! Really well laid out.
Neo2005 1 year ago
Good Job! :D
Gado911 1 year ago