Samuel Fuller - 1964
Fuller likes his visceral opening; the direct attack here, switching from P.O.V. to slightly off-centred P.O.V. in the attack, then that extra surprise.
Realism is to an extent left behind here in certain scenes, not least the narrative reverse, really quite a shock, when we learn what Mr Grant likes to do on a quiet aafternoon.
So this is sensational, but, as a 'what's behind the picket fence' movie; it remains rather serious. The prostitute is nasty, but tries to do good. All the men are pretty much grubby, cruel psychos. I seem to be in a cycle of bashing 'Blue Velvet', which I shouldn't, it does some excellent things; but Fuller here really gets down to the details, the petty cruelties and complicities of the misery of the suburban, or small town lifestyle (not least by paying attention to economics). There isn't much irony here; Fuller says what he has to say. Still relevant? Yes and No.
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