Check out our review of Tenderness Of The Wolves - a recent Arrow Video release below:
Tenderness Of The Wolves is a rather unique viewing experience. It distinctively melds a horror film with an arthouse film. As such, this is not your typical serial killer movie. Instead you get a character study of a serial killer and the community of people that enable him to continue his crimes. The film focuses less on bloody action and more on intensity of the main character. With this unique blend the film will not appeal to everyone as some might find the film to be a little slow and uneventful.
The story of the film follows Fritz Haarmann in a day-in-the-life style which includes collecting clothing for charity then selling the clothes for other goods, delivering meats to his favorite nearby restaurant, hanging out with friends, and seducing young males that he then makes his victims. Haarmann is a serial killer who has been able to carve a nice little life for himself. The story of the film is very matter-of-the-fact, the way things are in the film are just the way things are. This results in a different type of narrative for a serial killer movie in that there is little to no hunt for the killer in the film.
There are a couple of really great aspects in Tenderness Of The Wolves that really stick out. First is the film's atmosphere. With the film's day-in-the-life structure we really get to see all the different sides of this serial killer. One side that we get a good look at is the sad side of his life. He has friends that like him but also tease him, the one he is in love with takes advantage of him, and he is often alone. Overall this creates a very melancholic atmosphere through out the film. Another great aspect of the film that sticks out is the technical aspects. It is a very well made film the easily surpasses its very limited budget. The productions gets a lot out of its real locations, adding a sense of authenticity to the film.
While this film is classified as a horror film it also has a lot of arty elements. Some might see the film as being slow and mostly uneventful but the film is just trying to build a certain atmosphere. This is not an ordinary serial killer movie and those expecting one will be disappointed. This film is stuck in the middle a little bit. It might be a little too horrific for people mostly into arty movies and it might be a little too arty for people mostly into horror movies. Fortunately for those that enjoy both types of film genres, Tenderness Of The Wolves can be considered a crossover hit.
In the end, Tenderness Of The Wolves is a unique viewing experience that blends a melancholic atmosphere with brutal animalistic murders while displaying a day-in-the-life story of a serial killer. Some of the films best aspects may also be the most off putting for some. For instance, some may view the slower pace of the film as being boring instead of the pace developing and enhancing the general atmosphere of the film. Overall Tenderness Of The Wolves is a film that deserves a lot more attention and the amazing package from Arrow Video will hopefully expand the films fanbase.
Special Features:
Audio Commentary with director Ulli Lommel: A very good commentary track that has only a couple of quiet parts but for the most part is filled with informative discussion. The track goes into some of the things that were discussed in the interview with the director also on this disc but with an expanded explanation. Overall a great commentary that helps the viewer understand and appreciate the film, which is what any great commentary should do.
The Tender Wolf - A newly filmed interview with Lommel (25 mins): A solid interview with the director in which he discusses the making of the film, some of the influences for the film, his relationship with the rest of the crew, the reaction to the film and the impact the film had on his career. He also finds that the film has a lot of staying power and is still just as effective now as it was when it came out. A very solid interview that has some information different than the commentary.
Photographing Fritz - A newly filmed interview with director of photography Jürgen Jürges (24 mins): A very informative interview that discusses the technical aspects of the film, in particular how scenes were lit with a bunch of small lights called "inkys". The use of a bunch of the small "inky" lights was both an artistic expression and a budgetary necessity as bigger lights would cost more and the film's budget was considerably small. As well, he discusses Rainer Werner Fassbender and company, specifically how he would try to avoid them and get some alone time to rest. Overall a very worthwhile interview.
Haarmann's Victim Talks - A newly filmed interview with actor Rainer Will (16 mins): An interesting interview that explains how the actor got involved in acting and being in this film specifically. A major point of interest is the discussion on the actor's nude scenes in the film, which were filmed when he was 17. Overall an good feature that gives some interesting insight.
An Appreciation by Stephen Thrower (41 mins): A great piece in which Thrower discusses the film, the film's origin, the director's career, the influence of Rainer Werner Fassbender on the film, and a lot more. Overall a very informative piece that gives some great information that is not found in any of the other extras, which is a big plus.
Stills Gallery
Theatrical Trailer
No comments:
Post a Comment