The Beautiful, the Bloody, and the Bare / Behind Locked Doors (Something Weird)

Rating:
Summary: Mixed Bag
Review: It's hard to go wrong with the Something Weird line of DVDs. They cram so much material onto one DVD that it's a bargain by any standards. This one is a decided mixed bag. I bought it primarily for the "Behind Locked Doors" feature. I discovered this movie accidently in 1989 when a video store owner I knew was selling the videotape off at a discount price. I had never heard of the movie before, but I loved it. Completely zany, illogical, and bizarre. The acting is abysmal, the plot absurd...and yet, despite such deficiencies, it still manages to exert a quirky, even hypnotic spell all its own. Apparently filmed somewhere in upstate NY during the mid or late 1960's, I find myself wondering as I watch it compulsively yet again- is that house still standing? Are these actors still alive and, if so, what are they doing now? Do they ever acknowledge that they appeared in this? Is that field still in existence or is it a housing development by now? As for the 1st movie...the less said, the better. But, in spite of my own better judgement, here goes...It also suffers from horrible, wooden acting, writing, directing, etc., but its most egregious failing, its most unpardonable sin, is that it's BORING! It doesn't have the wacky, redemptive qualities of an Ed Wood script or the cartoonish violence of a Hershell Gordon Lewis to stave off total numbness or actors so flagrantly awful that they're fascinating to watch in spite of themselves. Even the plentiful nudity doesn't work. Indeed, I think it might prove soporific even to a 14-year old boy entering the heat of adoloscence. In fact, outside of a few scenes filmed on NY streets circa 1964, there's absolutely nothing to recommend about this film. So, buy the DVD for "Behind Locked Doors" and the added features. Like I said, you really can't go wrong with the Something Weird line. If one thing doesn't grab you, something else will.