Pearls Before Swine

In this film Boyd rice plays a killer who does a few things that really hack-off the regular film viewer. He runs about for a bit shouting and acting extremely poorly, and rants on in a monologue format about his own views. in fact in one scene he quotes his own book, while pretending to be reading it from someone else's But that's not the point. - This film, to me, is excellent because of its "extreme" ideas and content. Some of which are: Nazis (don't get me wrong I hate racism), sex/BDSM, women, religion, murder and violence.

The thoughts of Rice's character on these issues are extremely important as they relate to the target audience of this film. As most horror/thriller viewers will have at least one or two opinions as to how Nazis (don't get me wrong I hate racism), sex/BDSM, women, religion, murder and violence relate to media and how they may or may not mirror, and/or be applied to, real life.

On the whole I think if you are interested in Nazis, sex/BDSM, Boyd's theories, feminism, or violence this will be of interest to you. However, I beg of you, think open mindedly about the film and the issues raised within, go beyond the aesthetics. No matter what your tastes dictate. - +DO NOT see this film if you get uneasy around sex scenes especially ones with such a low budget that you really do think you are watching porn. +DO NOT see this film if you are offended by neo-Nazis (Boyd Rice is NOT a neo-Nazi however his character does 'hint' at it in this film (costumes and monologues) +DO NOT see this film if you are horney (it way warp your impressionable little mind) +DO NOT see this film if you are disgusted by fecal matter +DO NOT see this film if you think the random slaughter of 'innocent' homeless people is disgusting...

you wont be able to handle it. seriously i almost vomited at the 'fecal matter' part.

I think it's an extraordinary question of cinematographic life how movies like Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The (2002) received an 8.7 and stands just below The Godfather, while such jewels like "Pearls before Swine" got an 3.1 (last time i checked). It's good to know some critics can see beyond the cultural imperialist Hollywood genre, but sadly, none of these seem to have watched, or shown appreciation of, this particular movie.

"Pearls before Swine" doesn't stand out on quality of acting, plot or any other conventional measure of rating a movie, but, as the title suggests, places itself above the average viewer in its magnificent value of INTEGRITY. Indeed, those who know its main actors, such as Boyd Rice and Douglas P. (Death in June) are well aware of the closeness this particular movie stands with the opinions of aforementioned men. Boyd's lack of a any expressionist inclination with his own statements ('how marvelous') for example therefore not only parallel the plot and introspectuocentricity of the movie, but match perfectly well with personal opinions that, to themselves, hold great value. Essence, being for oneself and a great belief in self-actualisation thus gain their credibility through a whole life of great accomplishments.

Maybe this movie doesn't .shock., or deliver a moral message, but still it delivers a message that centers oneself to understanding itself.

I really enjoyed this movie. It should be noted that I have a high tolerance for low-budget fare. I got this as part of a 2-disc set, which I bought primarily to get a hold of Wolstencroft's first feature, "Bloodlust". I finally watched this, and was pleasantly surprised. This is the tale of Daniel, a killer-for-profit(be it assassinations or murder and the subsequent sale of cadavers). Between bouts of drugs, partner-swapping, S&M and crime, Daniel ruminates on the nature of fascism. I don't want to give away too much, but suffice to say that this movie doesn't take the tried and true(not to mention cliché) Hollywood approach of force feeding its audience an affable, cuddly lead character. Daniel's opinions may shock and offend you. The movie's morality is ambiguous and its philosophy unique. If you need a likable, handsome Tom Cruise type "Hit Man" in order to digest a movie, don't watch this. If you are not afraid to have your own notions of film and character challenged, this movie should be an unexpected treat. The film's budget and non-professional cast are evident. However, if this movie had been produced at greater cost, and with a well-known actor or two, it would most likely have been successful AND controversial.

It's one thing to be somebody. It's quite another to be a parody of somebody. I am reminded of Boyd Rice's early years hanging out with Holocaust deniers in his basement in Denver and playing records at the Lion's Lair and how he only appeared to be an actual loser. Because he is the brain behind NON. As in, he is a self devout NOThing. He also has a knack for hanging out with all the real artists while they do good things that he mocks with his bad products. He, I am sure, is the un-Warhol. (ugh.)

Anyways, starring in this piece of garbage as a piece of garbage probably wasn't a stretch. It is something I am sure he'd agree is self-parody. Nevertheless, the filmmakers seem to think their film makes a statement.

Pearls Before Swine ends up being a parody of an attempt to make a film that makes a statement. I don't know what the film is, really, nor what its statement is supposed to mean. So. Is it an Un-film? No it's a film. Just a poor film.

It's "star" is a parody of a satire of a man Boyd Rice fantasizes he is in real life.

The title is a parody of a title, pointing to far too much than a title to a film can signify.

But this film is not even UNpop, as it is advertised. (Unpop is purposefully bad popart, by the way. Kind of like a dumb Warhol; or Stupid Jeff Koons.) Anyway, unpop, like this film, is pure POP refuse and more proof Americans do not really understand IRONY.

Is it funny that a pseudo-NeoFascist like Boyd Rice stars in crap like this? No, it's not funny. It's "Shocking!" Oh wait, that's how the movie is marketed. Well, Pearls Before Swine is certainly Shocking. Shockingly Crappy.

Eventually, it is nothing more than a shocking bore.

Richard Wolstencroft's latest film represents a distinct change of pace. The main ingredients of sex and violence are still prominent but Pearls Before Swine takes a far more philosophical approach than the director's early films. It seems a bit redundant to call a film that is bookended by quotes from Rilke and Hoelderlin as cerebral, but I can't think of a better description.

The film kicks off with a bang. Boyd Rice plays Daniel, a killer who nonchalantly shoots a group of homeless boys for their organs before going out on a date with his bondage mistress girlfriend, Christy. This act sets the platform for the film's exploration of morality, a theme which is covered from every imaginable angle. I found Daniel's monologues on religion and Nazism particularly thought provoking. The concentration camp S&M role-play is also one of the film's highlights and a perfect example of Wolstencroft's fearlessness, a quality that sets him apart from his contemporaries.

There are times when the material veers towards pretension, such as the 'violence in the movies' dinner debate or Daniel's pro "Dr. Who" rant. However, on the whole, the film is refreshingly apolitical. Wolstencroft has found a fantastic spokesman for his challenging world view in the form of Boyd Rice, the man behind NON. Boyd is perfect as Daniel, discussing philosophy and shooting children with equal conviction. The rest of the cast is vastly superior to Wolstencroft's earlier films, perhaps with the exception of the actress who plays Christy. My only criticisms of the film are the rather dull final twist and the preference for dialogue over action. I wish that violence was less frequently discussed and more frequently depicted.

Pearls Before Swine is technically light years ahead of Wolstencroft's earlier films. Here is a director who has grown and continues to refine his craft. I just hope Richard doesn't refine his craft to the point where his films become a blunt instrument. There were fleeting moments during Pearls Before Swine when I missed the rawness of "Bloodlust". That is not to dismiss the thought and intelligence that went into making the film. Pearls Before Swine is probably the most interesting and perplexing debate yet about the roles of sex and violence on film and in life.