Repulsion (1965)

An Early Winner from Polanski, 23 July 2005

Repulsion is the very dark story of one girl's decent into the depths of mental illness. She seems the kind of girl who has it all - a job, a sister who cares for her, beauty, and men dropping at her feet. But because of sexual repression and other psychosis, none of that really matters. When left alone for a week while her sister's on vacation, she stops going to work and locks herself in her apartment. She has visions of terrible things happening to her. And, she lashes out at anyone who invades her space.

While Repulsion is certainly a horrific movie, it's very sad. I couldn't help but feel sorry for the girl left alone with her fears and phobias. She's one of the more tragic figures I've seen. The girl is played marvelously by Catherine Deneuve in a very early role. She is quite simply fantastic. I could literally feel most every emotion she goes through.

But the real star is Roman Polanski. With Repulsion, Polanski has created the most claustrophobic movie I've ever seen. I was literally transported to that little, dark apartment. It's a stunning looking film.

8/10