Cherished Cinema

Repulsion (Roman Polanski, 1965)

Hello all.

The first entry into Polanski’s “apartment trilogy” is a fantastic film. Although I own this, I rented Criterion’s Blu-Ray transfer to make sure an upgrade was not an immediate requirement. The transfer was beautiful and has been added to my Blu-Ray wish-list. Please don’t read this if you have not seen the film, there are not too many spoilers but I think it is best to go into this film knowing as little as possible. The film starts with a very slow, rhythmic sequence and really is not a good indicator for the rest of the film. I am not trying to say that the film itself is not slow, which it is but necessarily so, but the film’s opening provides the viewer with no understanding of what is to come.

The film’s brilliance is displayed through its expert construction and fascinating pacing. Although the lead character always seems completely out-of-place, she seems least uncomfortable inside her apartment. The viewer is made aware of this through the way Polanski chose to present the apartment on-screen and how he displayed the outside world as so chaotic (especially her place of work). This film is obsessed with reflection, with numerous shots of mirrors, shiny teapots, and various other reflective surfaces throughout the film. The purpose of this is to show how the main character is learning more about herself as the viewer learns more about her.

Repulsion absolutely relies on set pieces. The rabbit, fruit, and other items around the apartment all deteriorate as the main character’s situation worsens. These objects are used to display the passage of time and her further detachment from reality. Also, the intense focus on the objects in the bathroom (the razor, cup, toothbrush, etc.) is a crucial facet to be aware of in terms of her relationship with her sister, her sister’s lover, and society in general.

Catherine Deneuve is able to say so much with no words, a sign of a great actress. For the first time of this project, a woman’s performance stole the show and I think there is something to be said about that. Sure, the lead in Suspiria was far from bad but it was not one of the better parts of the film. There was a strange pattern within the film as well. Prior to each of her murders, there was a dream sequence of her being raped. That pattern follows suit all the way until her final “rape dream” prior to her discovery that is not followed by a murder.

Thank you for reading!