Ow my head.

[kickaha]

Netflix did me the *cough* favor of recommending _The Ruling Class_, a 2.5 hr 1972 Peter O'Toole extravaganza listed as 'Comedy'.

Uh huh.

That film was just flipping incredible... I can't say I was riveted, we started it too late, and I fell asleep for a few minutes in the middle, but oh dear god was it bizarre. The best synopsis I ran across was "Monty Python meets A Clockwork Orange" Yes. Exactly. It's a descent into madness by the already mad, and it drags you along every step of the way. You go quietly, unsuspectingly at first, because hey, it's just harmless fun, right? Somewhere along the way you notice a sense of unease and disquiet, but it just seems so... normal... that you play along. By the time you realize you're white knuckling the chair arms, it's too late, you're one of them now, join in the screaming because really, what else can you do?

Not for everyone, but then again... probably for most people reading this.

Comments

[ladykalana.livejournal.com]

I saw that film once a long time ago, when I was far too young to appreciate it. I liked it, but I know I should watch it again. I do love Peter O'Toole and it's a unique performance for him.

[badger.livejournal.com]

Love that movie. Glad to have you join us here in the asylum.

[gwywnnydd.livejournal.com]

Oh, I adore that movie!! The highlight of my holidays a couple of years ago was getting my very own copy :).

[marq.livejournal.com]

One of my all time favorite films. As you said, deeply disturbing for a variety of reasons, including how it slowly changes the rules on you. It really seems to be a fairly harmless comedy at first, albeit a little dark. And then...well...you figured that one out.

I was going to say that no one but Peter O'Toole could have pulled that off, but since we were watching River's Edge last night, it occured to me that Crispin Hellion Glover could probably pull off the Peter O'Toole role in a remake.