House of Flesh Mannequins

Domiziano Cristopharo's writing, production and directing debut stem from HOFM (2009). The film was done on a miniscule budget (despite enticing two excellent actors, ie Giovanni Radici and Irena Violette into the tiny cast) and as such, it is how clever Cristopharo used his budget which stands out. The film is set as an opera / play and is as such divided into three acts (each with a number of defined scenes) and the acting broadly mimics an opera / play. In this case clear homage is paid to both Leoncavallo's Pagliacci and Dante's Inferno. As alluded to, both acting and directing is of a high standard. Cinematography also stands out and one is from time-to-time reminded of the atmosphere created in 'The Cook, the Thief, his Wife and her Lover'. Given the flowing three act setup, the film flows reasonably well. Similarly, the 'Peeping Tom (1960)', inspired plot does have a few holes but develops decently. The degree of non-similated sex and gore will be too much for many viewers and caution is advised. This despite, neither is used with gratuitous intend. 7/10.