When I started watching this movie, I was not sure quite what I was watching. Of course, it didn't really help that I knew nothing about the movie, and information in English was a little more than scarce. Was it a documentary? Some sort of cleverly disguised fictional work? Perhaps it was avant garde improv. Maybe it was some sort of combination of the above.
The more I watched of Vergeef Me, I came to realize that it was some sort of twisted reality film. Once it finally reached its conclusion, I was stunned. I found this film, and by way of involvement, the director, to be totally revolting. I cannot believe that he was allowed to make this film.
OK, let me back up a little bit.
The cast, such as it is, is comprised of social outcasts: drunks, drug addicts, mentally and/or physically disabled. We sit and watch as the director interacts with these people. The talk seems innocent, but the more you watch, the more it becomes apparent these people are being subtly manipulated by this man. The first half of the film is filled with character introductions, all building to the centerpiece which is some sort of free form live theater, where the subjects are pretty much allowed to do whatever while the cameras roll.
It seems that director Cyrus Frisch set out to make a film to repel the audience, to push the limits of what is acceptable. In my opinion, he reached it and went well beyond. The film really defies explanation. I sat stunned as these people did exactly what Frisch wanted, without him giving them explicit instructions. He was there giving them little nudges and let them take the thought to fruition.
Cyrus Frisch takes advantage of these people, they have no idea what they are getting into. He encourages them to act out their most base instincts on stage in front of an audience. Worse still, it seems the critics actually liked it. (Calling it the start of reality theater) It really made me sick. The idea of anyone actually watching this and deriving any type of pleasure not only confounds me, but begs the question of their psychological state.
Article comments
1 - Mary K. Williams
Wow Chris!
So, how did you hear about this?
2 - Chris Beaumont
It had come through the group as a review opportunity. I am always up for checking out foreign films and figured I would give this one shot. Ended up being quite an experience!