Nice to hear someone talk about this movie without the assumption that everyone listening hates it and believes the 'twist' negates everything that came before.
The story does take a sharp right turn but I was all in because of the atmosphere and craft. I can understand people not liking it at all because of it though!
This is actually my favorite horror movie. I’ve been waiting for a good release of it so I’m excited. Only concern is if the 4K will work in North America.
I watched this for the first time with the 4K and "loved" it. It's not for everyone and I understand how the last half could be polarizing but it was right up my alley. I'm looking forward to checking out more French horror after this.
In terms of raw horror and brutality, even a movie like Haut Tension doesn't hold a candle to Martyrs, which is really a masterpiece of the so-called French extremity horror.
I only watched Martyrs for the first time the other day. I can appreciate what they were going for, but it's not one I'd revisit. High Tension and Frontier(s), for all their gore, are still a lot of fun, whereas Martyrs was just gruelling. I'd almost say it aspired to be a more arthouse type of picture. It was ambitious, but at the end of the day, for me, it's all about having a fun experience, and Martyrs (like Irreversible), wasn't fun.
@@andyessex , I can get that, but not all movies should be fun. Yeah, it's a very tough watch, even for me, but the level of filmmaking and the themes are superior in this case. Haut Tension may be fun at times but, let's be honest, it doesn't make any sense whatsoever. That twist is so cringy and forced.
Nice succinct review pal! I'm glad you enjoyed this more than some of the other films in the movement. It certainly separates itself from the pack with its wonderful technical aspects and its subversive turns. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍
Wow so I just finished this up but I had no idea people hated the twist so much until I read the comments. For me I understand that it does legitimately weaken everything you’re seeing from a horror standpoint, all of the dread and suspense you’re supposed to be feeling is immediately going to be relinquished upon second viewing; however I don’t get how anyone could’ve been that seriously invested in this after a certain point anyways. I feel like without the twist there’s so many bad “Why the fuck would you do that” moments that are definitely a part of horror movies but it happens so much here and there’s also so many issues with the killer not hearing some things but then hearing other ones. The twist at least gives a new context that eliminated all of my gripes about that kind of stuff which definitely interfered with my enjoyment after a certain point. And not all horror movies that do that kind of stuff bother me, it’s just the ones that feel like they’re being more dramatic and going for something a little more realistic as far as the genre goes and the tone of the first 15 minutes definitely feels more dramatic and serious so those moments when stupid decisions made by characters and conveniences drive the story forward it feels very see through and not effective. I honestly just don’t think this movie is very good overall. That muse song is unforgivable.
Really on the fence with this one. Liked it a lot when I watched on DVD back in the day (as Switchblade Romance) but not sure it's one I'll upgrade to just yet. Looking forward to Possessor next month, and The Hitcher and Dead Man's Shoes later this year
If you think that was gory, I think you should check out Second Sight’s release of Inside that’s out on the 5th February, another French extreme movie starring Beatrice Dalle (Betty Blue) and if you appreciate that check out Martyrs (original not the awful American remake), if you haven’t seen it.
One of the few movies I've almost walked away from. In that sense it's very successful for creating a mood of dread and nihilism, though I can't say it's a film I "enjoy". Then comes the "twist" which nobody ever sees coming, since it makes absolutely no sense of any kind. Confusingly bad to the point my friend and I discussed if we'd accidentally skipped scenes on the DVD that would flesh it out. Nope. Just that dumb. Might as well reveal that it's all actually a computer simulation that's running a game show that's in a dream of your long lost evil twin, who's back from the dead.
Similar to modern franco masters Gaspar Noe an Jacques Audiard, I've cn every single Aja filum in a cinema screen...am in afraid there's really no substitute fer that, imvho. *Haute Tension* is far from a gratuitous slasher, tho tropes are certainly there.
I was enjoying this movie until the twist which for anyone who has a pre-frontal cortex does not make any sense and completely fails to hit home, it's quite tragic.
I think the twist is the only thing that makes any of it work for me. I just found it to be really nonsensical how she was handling the situation otherwise. And how he doesn’t hear here several times. All those issues resolve themselves with the twist. It does still cheapen all of the tension in the movie I guess.
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Nice to hear someone talk about this movie without the assumption that everyone listening hates it and believes the 'twist' negates everything that came before.
The story does take a sharp right turn but I was all in because of the atmosphere and craft. I can understand people not liking it at all because of it though!
This is actually my favorite horror movie. I’ve been waiting for a good release of it so I’m excited. Only concern is if the 4K will work in North America.
I watched this for the first time with the 4K and "loved" it. It's not for everyone and I understand how the last half could be polarizing but it was right up my alley. I'm looking forward to checking out more French horror after this.
I’m the same as you - looking forward to more of this style of French horror in the near future! Cheers
In terms of raw horror and brutality, even a movie like Haut Tension doesn't hold a candle to Martyrs, which is really a masterpiece of the so-called French extremity horror.
I only watched Martyrs for the first time the other day. I can appreciate what they were going for, but it's not one I'd revisit. High Tension and Frontier(s), for all their gore, are still a lot of fun, whereas Martyrs was just gruelling. I'd almost say it aspired to be a more arthouse type of picture. It was ambitious, but at the end of the day, for me, it's all about having a fun experience, and Martyrs (like Irreversible), wasn't fun.
@@andyessex , I can get that, but not all movies should be fun. Yeah, it's a very tough watch, even for me, but the level of filmmaking and the themes are superior in this case. Haut Tension may be fun at times but, let's be honest, it doesn't make any sense whatsoever. That twist is so cringy and forced.
I remember I watched this with my parents when it came out. I was 8. I think we all had our minds blown😂
Wow 8!!?? I hope you’re okay now and not scarred from the experience lol. Thanks for watching!
Nice succinct review pal! I'm glad you enjoyed this more than some of the other films in the movement. It certainly separates itself from the pack with its wonderful technical aspects and its subversive turns. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍
Thanks for watching my review Sam! I’m sure we’ll chat about this film more at some point.
Wow so I just finished this up but I had no idea people hated the twist so much until I read the comments. For me I understand that it does legitimately weaken everything you’re seeing from a horror standpoint, all of the dread and suspense you’re supposed to be feeling is immediately going to be relinquished upon second viewing; however I don’t get how anyone could’ve been that seriously invested in this after a certain point anyways. I feel like without the twist there’s so many bad “Why the fuck would you do that” moments that are definitely a part of horror movies but it happens so much here and there’s also so many issues with the killer not hearing some things but then hearing other ones. The twist at least gives a new context that eliminated all of my gripes about that kind of stuff which definitely interfered with my enjoyment after a certain point. And not all horror movies that do that kind of stuff bother me, it’s just the ones that feel like they’re being more dramatic and going for something a little more realistic as far as the genre goes and the tone of the first 15 minutes definitely feels more dramatic and serious so those moments when stupid decisions made by characters and conveniences drive the story forward it feels very see through and not effective. I honestly just don’t think this movie is very good overall. That muse song is unforgivable.
Brutal movie. Wait until 'Inside' arrives.....
Excellent review, love Second Sight editions and after watching your review it looks like I'll be adding High Tension to my collection 😊
Thanks very much Marty! I discovered your videos the other day and I’ll be catching up on them all soon. Cheers!
Really on the fence with this one. Liked it a lot when I watched on DVD back in the day (as Switchblade Romance) but not sure it's one I'll upgrade to just yet. Looking forward to Possessor next month, and The Hitcher and Dead Man's Shoes later this year
Yes I can’t wait for all of those future releases you mentioned too. It’s a great time for Second Sight releases!
Glad you were able to see this one, pal. Truly intense film. A great release from Second Sight. Cheers pal!
Cheers Nathan! It was indeed intense.
If you think that was gory, I think you should check out Second Sight’s release of Inside that’s out on the 5th February, another French extreme movie starring Beatrice Dalle (Betty Blue) and if you appreciate that check out Martyrs (original not the awful American remake), if you haven’t seen it.
I’m hoping to watch Inside when it releases soon! Same with Martyrs - it’d be great to get a new release of that in 2024. Cheers!
Martyrs is actually a good film that checks a lot of dramatic boxes unlike most of the "french extreme" films from back then.
Seem to recall this came out around the time as Martyrs and Frontiers, also both French, and also messed me up for a long time
I saw it when it first came out - blimey ;) just bought the BR a few weeks back
Haven't earched it in 15+ years, but I wouldn't mind a rewatch.
One of the few movies I've almost walked away from. In that sense it's very successful for creating a mood of dread and nihilism, though I can't say it's a film I "enjoy". Then comes the "twist" which nobody ever sees coming, since it makes absolutely no sense of any kind. Confusingly bad to the point my friend and I discussed if we'd accidentally skipped scenes on the DVD that would flesh it out. Nope. Just that dumb. Might as well reveal that it's all actually a computer simulation that's running a game show that's in a dream of your long lost evil twin, who's back from the dead.
You were right about Inside I'm going to order it in us
Similar to modern franco masters Gaspar Noe an Jacques Audiard, I've cn every single Aja filum in a cinema screen...am in afraid there's really no substitute fer that, imvho.
*Haute Tension* is far from a gratuitous slasher, tho tropes are certainly there.
She was going for someone that didn't want her moral of the story stay alone and don’t chase people it never works
Very good film, abysmal twist though
I was enjoying this movie until the twist which for anyone who has a pre-frontal cortex does not make any sense and completely fails to hit home, it's quite tragic.
Worst twist in film history.
If the twist didn't happen it would be a top ten for me, still love it
I think the twist is the only thing that makes any of it work for me. I just found it to be really nonsensical how she was handling the situation otherwise. And how he doesn’t hear here several times. All those issues resolve themselves with the twist. It does still cheapen all of the tension in the movie I guess.
SAW THIS MOVIE FROM BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO BACK IN THE DAY. SHIT MOVIE.