Aja, though, he has gone out of his way for to ensure that his Craven-produced remake can stand on its own gore-strewn feet-pegs. In addition to the source material, his film brings to mind the likes of Don't Look Now, Chris Cunningham's short Rubber Johnny, the archaeological malarkey out The Exorcist, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, and, rather significantly, Bruno Dumont's Twentynine Palms. Like Dumont's flick, Aja's The Hills Have Eyes is a foreigner's commentary on contemporary America that sets ungodly brutality against incredibly beautiful desert vistas.
Aja is obviously a touch miffed about how the American Military have been handling themselves of late. He draws parallels between the nuclear horrors of the 1950's, horrors which have resulted in those deformed maniacs all slinking round the caverns o' the mine-shafts, and the horrors of the Here And Now. As the opening credits trundle over a visual collage of mushroom clouds and deformed children, Webb Pierce hollers about how "More and more I'm forgetting the past."
What Aja suggests, you'll feel safe in assuming, is aye, so are we.
"You made us what we are," yells one wheelchair-bound mutant, shortly before another has the pole of a miniature American flag shoved the fuck through his wind-pipe. What it all amounts to is a slogan a fella might find scrawled across a shit-house wall, slogan saying Terror Breeds Terror. Something to that effect.
There is much to discuss with regards this incredible work of senseless carnage and gorgeous whispers, but my shift begins in fourteen minutes and I must shave the demons out Friar Lockheart's beard afore I take my place on Bishop Knightly's cufflinks. I do so wish I could relate to you the wonders of that awe-inspiring cinematography and the debt it all owes to Sam Peckinpah's Straw Dogs, but I can do no such thing lest I be late for my duties.
I can tell you, however, that neither Father Delaney nor Sister Shrinewipe saw very much of the picture at all, and that I myself viewed the whole affair whilst dangling between Delaney's thighs. Sister Shrinewipe spent the whole of the following evening coughing willy-muck from out her throbbing throat.
I hope this letter finds you well, sir, and that you will reply when time permits, and that you might also have had a chance to see yonder motion-film afore putting pen to paper.
Article comments
1 - Mat Brewster
Duelling Aarons, I love it.
Reading this I am either all wet in orgasmic glee, or I just shat myself. Either way twas a glorious few minutes.
2 - Duke De Mondo
"duelling aarons!" haha, shit, that shoulda been the title!
glad you enjoyed it, Sir Brewster. I can only assume there will be many's a grand tale to come.
3 - duane
You guys need to write your novels. You're both gushing style and wit. I volunteer to be part of your test audience.
4 - Duke De Mondo
I'm working on it Duane, and thank you!
5 - Mary K. Williams
"duelling aarons!" haha, shit, that shoulda been the title!
Or, on alternate Tuesdays, title your screeds, "The Gushing Aarons".
Because - like the man said, you do. Gush, that is.
Good Glorious Gushing of Gore, Goodwill, and oft times Gratuitous, but Giggleworthy Grammatical Gems.
6 - Mary K. Williams
yeah, and I liked it too! Good work!
7 - Steve C.
First review I've seen to point out the debt that Aja owes Bruno Dumont. That's awesome.
8 - Duke De Mondo
Mary - The Gushing Aarons is just far too rude to even consider. heh. And thank you.
Steve C - it was a fairly significant debt, i thought. although nothing in this matches the horrific finale of Dumont's number. And thankfully none of that truly distressing agony / ecstasy filthing.
9 - Steve C.
Not much of anything matches the finale of Dumont's crazed exercise in nihilistic ennui, something for which I suppose we should all be grateful. If every film made me feel as emptied-out and exhausted as that film, I'd never get anything done. The last shot, in particular, haunts me to this day (to the point where, if I ever get my screenplay written, I'm gonna steal that shot).
10 - Iloz Zoc
I could write like this, if only Zombos would let me. Damn you Duke. By the way, are you related to the De Mondos on Zimba's side? I think they were all hanged for cannibalism, but aside from that, they were a fun bunch at parties.
11 - Duke De Mondo
iloz zoc, a damn honour to have you pop up here, considering the marvels you yourself have crafted. The ol' family history gets decidedly muddy round about the turn of the 19th century, but i do have a cousin Jimmy De Mondo who was tried for antics similar to cannibalism, and, indeed, found guilty.
12 - Aaron Fleming
Thanks for the comments all you, um, commentors.
Isn't Jimmy Hart also a cousin of yours Duke?