I think it's the depravity of the idea
rather than the realism of the violence which has the most horrific lasting effect.
I was going to put his here as an example but the more I read about this the more it actually sounds like quite a good film:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antichrist_(film)#Plot
(, Tue 7 Jun 2011, 0:02, Reply)
Antichrist is a genius piece of cinema.
It looks beautiful and makes you think quite deeply about some pretty heavy issues. But yeah, there are some unsettling images.
edit: also, depraved ideas are nothing new, and have had a hugely important role to play in popular fiction, theatre, films and art throughout history. With dark, disturbing themes often comes truth and insight. Your pals at the BBFC should probably stay away from Marquis De Sade writings, Bosche paintings, any Grand-Guignol theatre, modern writers like Palahniuk, and even old poets like Poe. Much depravity to be had. I love it.
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mookay immune to icons since, Tue 7 Jun 2011, 1:23,
Reply)