Dreadful beauty
As I approach 1,500 pictures seen, let me start off by saying that I've seen a lot of disturbing movies. For me the most disturbing of them all was Srpski film, and now Mad God takes an undoubtable second place right behind it. Some of the scenery in this film WILL affect you, no matter if you are of the uttermost faintheartedness, or a desensitized movie veteran - be warned. This film is what I imagine Event Horizon's deleted scenes from the "hell part" look like.
This movie, that has apparently been 30 years in the making, showcases one of the most stunning handcraftsmanship you will ever see. There is a clear cut in style not long into the second half, most likely attributed to a Kickstarter that allowed for the last parts of the film to be animated.
After viewing and reading the other reviews there are three things that have become crystal clear to me: One, Phil Tippett has surely dabbled in LSD, although the first half of this movie is sure to induce a bad trip to anyone brave enough to indulge. You are absolutely taken for a ride in this movie. As other reviewers have pointed out, every minute of this film feels like ten, partly because of its horrificly sobering imagery that will haunt you, partly because of its implications both metaphorically and symbolically, and partly because of the lack of a concrete plot.
Two, there is beauty to go with the overwhelming dread, although you will have to be patient to find it. Nonetheless, once the film decides to let you off the depressing hook that its reeling you along with, it eventually rewards you with a sudden colorful change of scenery. Mad God is definitely not suited to the average viewer, especially the younger and more inexperienced crowd. This, combined with the mentioned lack of concrete plot and absurdity of it all, I completely understand the massive divide in ratings. Mad God is not your standard A4 blank paper, but rather a thousand year old bloodstained scroll, falling apart at the slightest touch.
Three, there is deeper meaning to be found here. After viewing I had a desperate need for an explanation to some of the scenes, although I suspect it is not for all to be understood. Some of the meaning is glaringly obvious, and will have you thinking grimly of humanity if you connect the dots presented to you.
Even though I'm probably going to have nightmares tonight, he handcraftship and creativity of it all causes me to rate this movie 8/10 - it is visually stunning.
This movie, that has apparently been 30 years in the making, showcases one of the most stunning handcraftsmanship you will ever see. There is a clear cut in style not long into the second half, most likely attributed to a Kickstarter that allowed for the last parts of the film to be animated.
After viewing and reading the other reviews there are three things that have become crystal clear to me: One, Phil Tippett has surely dabbled in LSD, although the first half of this movie is sure to induce a bad trip to anyone brave enough to indulge. You are absolutely taken for a ride in this movie. As other reviewers have pointed out, every minute of this film feels like ten, partly because of its horrificly sobering imagery that will haunt you, partly because of its implications both metaphorically and symbolically, and partly because of the lack of a concrete plot.
Two, there is beauty to go with the overwhelming dread, although you will have to be patient to find it. Nonetheless, once the film decides to let you off the depressing hook that its reeling you along with, it eventually rewards you with a sudden colorful change of scenery. Mad God is definitely not suited to the average viewer, especially the younger and more inexperienced crowd. This, combined with the mentioned lack of concrete plot and absurdity of it all, I completely understand the massive divide in ratings. Mad God is not your standard A4 blank paper, but rather a thousand year old bloodstained scroll, falling apart at the slightest touch.
Three, there is deeper meaning to be found here. After viewing I had a desperate need for an explanation to some of the scenes, although I suspect it is not for all to be understood. Some of the meaning is glaringly obvious, and will have you thinking grimly of humanity if you connect the dots presented to you.
Even though I'm probably going to have nightmares tonight, he handcraftship and creativity of it all causes me to rate this movie 8/10 - it is visually stunning.
- Martin_Stord
- Jul 4, 2022