Xytraguptorh

I'm wondering what you consider the most troubling or disturbing film you own on DVD? Do you consider any particular title in your collection hard to watch, something that you can make yourself endure, but would rather not because you feel vaguely depressed for a day or two after watching it?

My choice, far and away, is Requiem for a Dream. I have a few other candidates, like Gummo and Julien Donkey Boy, but they simply pale in hopeless comparison to Requiem for disturbing content. Unfortunately, I don't own Salo (nor have I ever seen it), which sounds like it might even be more of a downer than Requiem for a Dream.

What's really surprised me is how hugely popular the Requiem for a Dream DVD is. It's been the top seller at deepdiscountdvd.com nearly every time I've checked. Actually, I just checked there a few minutes ago and it's the #2 title. I know it's an extremely well made film, and the DVD itself is fantastic with superb surround sound and a huge array of extras, but actually watching the movie puts me in such a bleak mood that I can't make myself view the damn thing again. I'm surprised more people don't feel the same way. It just seems like the whole point of the film is to make the viewer extremely depressed. It's hardly a "realistic" film in certain parts--seeing a woman receive ECT with no anaesthetic, a doctor handing out prescriptions for stimulants and barbiturates like they're candy, and a guy getting his arm amputated while he's conscious isn't exactly documentary-style film making (more like shameless viewer manipulation)--but it's very effective at what it does.

Anyway, enough about that particular movie. What DVD do you own that just ruins your day after viewing it?

Deadman31

It used to be Talented Mr. Ripley, but I ditched that one. I find American Physco to be disturbing. It seems every time I watch it a part of me changes. Also PI is definitely disturbing

Bruce

Glitter

j/k

Patrick G

Romper Stomper

styx670

The head stomp scene in American History X still makes me cringe, and you don't even really see it.

While I have seen the film dozens of times, parts of Se7en still make an impression.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas always leaves me a little weirded out...

And Showgirls still curdles my blood to this day.

I have Bully, Happiness and Requiem for a Dream in my rental qeue at Netflix, and I actaully enjoy a little discomfort now and then with my movie viewing.

Patrick G

Be ready for some discomfort when you view the last scene in Happiness.

styx670

That's what I hear, kind of looking forward to it and not...

platneon

The two that stick out for me are 8mm and A Clockwork Orange.

Andy

grunter

Oh come on. That's the funniest scene in the whole film. It puts all of those gross-out teen "comedies" to shame and one-ups them at the same time.

There's nothing uncomfortable about it. It's just really, really hilarious.

*lick*

Apocrypha

The directors cut of BRAZIL always puts me in my place

I would call these bleek titles I try to avoid adding titles like that to my collection (note I said try)
Some of the finest filmmakers around have that tone to almost all of their work.
Stanley Kubrick
Terry Gilliam
to name a couple

RobCA

The most disturbing DVD in my collection has to be Pink Flamingos.

Though it'll get some competition next month when I pick up Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.

Rob

Giles

In my collection that would include: "Battle Royale", "Men Behind the Sun", "Caligula", "Maniac" and "Salo". I am itching for Criterion to release "Man Bites Dog".

Gdrlv

Another vote for Requiem for a Dream. It's a brilliant film but very intense, graphic and disturbing. The only other film I've got that provokes such a strong emotional reaction from me is the Elephant Man.

Giles

I remember seeing "The Elephant Man" when it was originally released at age 10, and it gave me nightmares for weeks.

John Atkins

The most troubling DVD that I own would have to be Gummo. It is one seriously messed up movie. The characters are really screwed up. I dont own Trainspotting, but the scene with the baby still bothers me quite a bit (if you have seen it, you know what I mean). I also watched Ravenous while I had blood infection, and I had some ungodly nightmares for a few nights. Well, that was really depressing - thanks for bringing it up. LOL!

Pointyskull

I agree with all of the previous titles, but one that hasn't been mentioned is Funny Games. Talk about a downer...

nyrodder

Of the DVD's I currently own, I would have to say Blade. I really like the movie but the scene during the rave party towards the beginning with all the killing and blood spraying out of the ceiling really make you want to stop eating the popcorn...

DVD Smurf

Snow Day , it is troubling how I could ever buy a crappy movie like this. However, there are a number of DVDs that I have that I find distrubing such as:

• Caveman's Valentine
• City of Lost Children
• Dead Ringers
• Funny Games
• Happiness
• Kids
• Night Porter
• Peeping Tom
• Virgin Suicides

These were also pretty good...if you would ever wonder about them.

evenswr

Am I the only one that finds Boys Don't Cry very, very diturbing?

Giles

The ending of "Boy's Dont Cry" was probably the only movie where I flinched at the violence and truly sickened me.

Seeker

Grave of the Fireflies

saoirse

You're naming most of my favorite movies.

Oh here's another "hard to watch" one.

H

Those who have seen Requiem, check out H. Very different, but about a couple trying to kick. Both good movies in their own way.

elias

I find "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer" pretty disturbing.

boobietheclown

PEARL HARBOR
FIGHT CLUB
CHUCH & BUCK(VHS but I had to include it)
AMERICAN BEAUTY

AndyA

Rivers Edge