Repulsion
Directed by Roman Polanski
Written by Roman Polanski, Gerard Brach and David Stone
1965/UK
Compton Films/Tekli British Productions
First viewing/Netflix Rental
One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die
[box] Landlord: There’s no need to be alone, you know. Poor little girl. All by herself. All shaking like a little frightened animal.[/box]
Paranoia and sexual obsession build to deadly consequences.
Carol (Catherine Deneuve) is a virginal young woman who works as a manacurist in London and lives with her older sister. The sister has a boyfriend that frequently overnights at the appartment. The sounds of their lovemaking permeate the walls and disturb not only Carol’s sleep but her fragile mind.
The sister goes with the boyfriend on a trip to Italy. Carol stays home all day in the appartment alone. The line between fantasy and reality blurs. As Carol becomes increasingly paranoid, she begins to receive visitors. But are they really there?
This is a unique and stunningly shot film. I really had not expected a horror film but that’s its essence. Polanski manipulates the scares masterfully. It’s something that will stick with me. Recommended.
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