Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence) (2011)

After taking a break from blogging last night so I could focus on Steelers101.com, I figured it was time to finally sit down and write about this next flick, the controversial Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence). While my review is below, let me start by stating that no matter what you feel about this movie (or type of movie) writer / director Tom Six must be applauded for his willingness to push the envelope in filmmaking. Too many times, films of today must fit into a cookie cutter, something neither Human Centipede movies do.  

Plot/ Martin is a mentally disturbed loner who lives with his mother in a bleak housing project. He works the night shift as a security guard in an equally grim and foreboding underground parking complex. To escape his dreary existence, Martin loses himself in the fantasy world of the cult horror film The Human Centipede (First Sequence), fetishizing the meticulous surgical skills of the gifted Dr. Heiter, whose knowledge of the human gastrointestinal system inspires Martin to attempt the unthinkable.

I am all about movies that are disturbing and applaud filmmakers that want to push the limits with their craft, in Human Centipede 2 that is what Tom Six does. Yes, it lacks character development, there is somewhat non-linear plot, and it lacks tension or scare. What is it you ask? It is one of the most disturbing and visually violent films I have seen in some time (maybe ever). The entire film is a journey into the dark depths of a psychotic mind, consumed with creating something that could scar the weak and squeamish. Honestly, it took me a while to grasp what I had watched and determine my real thoughts. In the end, yes some of it was truly gross, unexpected and visually intense, but it was also a far superior movie in compared to the first and the black-and-white cinematography is a perfect choice. It is definitely not for everyone and if you are in any way squeamish or cannot handle graphic violence for the sake of graphic violence stay far away. If not, it is a disturbing spiral that may be one of the more disturbing flicks I have seen.

The Human Centipede: First Sequence (2009)

 While I was on my small vacation, I saw a DVD on the shelf that looking interesting,the Human Centipede (first sequence). Having spent most of this past week searching for items to populate a curiosity cabinet, I decided to finally break down ands see what this has to offer (although, I am sure it will be nowhere near as good as the DVD case says it is). If something like this was real, it would definitely find its way onto a shelf in the curiosity cabinet.

Plot/ Two pretty but ditsy American girls are on a road trip through Europe. In Germany, they end up alone at night with a broken car in the woods. They search for help and find an isolated villa. The next day, they awaken to find themselves trapped in a terrifying makeshift basement hospital along with a Japanese man. An older German man identifies himself as a retired surgeon specialized in separating Siamese twins. However, his three "patients" are not about to be separated but joined together in a horrific operation. He plans to be the first person to connect people via their gastric systems. By doing so, he plans to bring to life his sick lifetime fantasy, the human centipede.

While hanging out with my brother Matt, I saw the case for this DVD and was intrigued. I am always interested in seeing things that try to press the boundary and this sounded like it would do just that. Personally, I do not care if it is medically accurate, it is a horror flick meant to shock. Unfortunately, there seem to be more bad points than good ones, considering the lack of scares, gore, pacing and atmosphere, but there is something that is at least a bit disturbing in the idea of creating a human centipede. I have to admit that idea, much like Frankenstein’s desire to create a human, is one that sends chills down my spine. Plus, it kept me a bit entertained as I waited patiently to see the end result. Sure, the ending was a bit disappointing but all in all, found it semi-enjoyable, different, but not as disturbing as everyone said is was.