There is a reason that "Srpski film" or "A Serbian Film" was initially banned in so many countries that is not directly related to the levels of graphic sex and violence. With his debut film, director Srdjan Spasojevic issued a very clear and devastating challenge to the status quo. Do not be fooled into thinking that this is simply another extreme gore-fest such as the "August Underground" series or the elder "Guinea Pig" series. The actors in "Srpski film" delivered outstanding performances. The film also boasts solid cinematography, special effects, and an unsettling musical score.
These intense and disturbing images serve to convey a very poignant theme of power and control. Speaking on this theme, Spasojevic indicated that the film was meant to convey "...a diary of our own molestation by the Serbian government... It's about the monolithic power of leaders who hypnotize you to do things you don't want to do." This is not unlike Pier Paolo Pasolini's "Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom" which attempted to convey the corruption perpetrated by fascists after the fall of Benito Mussolini's Italy.
"Srpski film" unfolds, showing an aging porn star who is in need of money for his family. Given his state of desperation and small, lingering desire to take part in the activities of his past, he is easily manipulated into taking part in a film in which no details are disclosed to him prior to shooting. The film crew and director are either well-dressed or wearing secret service-like uniforms, representing everyday figures of power such as the rich and the police force and or military. Think of how Hitler was able to control the German people or how most of our governments control us now. In most cases, the very rich and powerful can do things that are clearly not in our best interests, sometimes horrific things, and we simply continue to follow orders in an attempt to maintain the status quo. Spasojevic's film brilliantly captures the notion of control and purposefully makes use of these extremes in an attempt to shake people from their apathy. In essence, he is asking the question: "How bad will things have to get before people wake up and stop allowing themselves to be controlled by the rich and corrupt?" If you have a taste for extreme cinema or are simply looking for something well outside the lines of traditional horror / Hollywood cinema, keep an open mind and give "Srpski film" or "A Serbian Film" a try. If you can see the horrors for the messages they truly convey, this should result in an unforgettable cinematic experience.
These intense and disturbing images serve to convey a very poignant theme of power and control. Speaking on this theme, Spasojevic indicated that the film was meant to convey "...a diary of our own molestation by the Serbian government... It's about the monolithic power of leaders who hypnotize you to do things you don't want to do." This is not unlike Pier Paolo Pasolini's "Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom" which attempted to convey the corruption perpetrated by fascists after the fall of Benito Mussolini's Italy.
"Srpski film" unfolds, showing an aging porn star who is in need of money for his family. Given his state of desperation and small, lingering desire to take part in the activities of his past, he is easily manipulated into taking part in a film in which no details are disclosed to him prior to shooting. The film crew and director are either well-dressed or wearing secret service-like uniforms, representing everyday figures of power such as the rich and the police force and or military. Think of how Hitler was able to control the German people or how most of our governments control us now. In most cases, the very rich and powerful can do things that are clearly not in our best interests, sometimes horrific things, and we simply continue to follow orders in an attempt to maintain the status quo. Spasojevic's film brilliantly captures the notion of control and purposefully makes use of these extremes in an attempt to shake people from their apathy. In essence, he is asking the question: "How bad will things have to get before people wake up and stop allowing themselves to be controlled by the rich and corrupt?" If you have a taste for extreme cinema or are simply looking for something well outside the lines of traditional horror / Hollywood cinema, keep an open mind and give "Srpski film" or "A Serbian Film" a try. If you can see the horrors for the messages they truly convey, this should result in an unforgettable cinematic experience.