Circus of Death (4pc)

Starring:Various
Studio: Brentwood Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

What is Truth?
Fact is fiction, and fiction is fact; but how the story is told is what's important
One of the most Creative Films in Years...
Wonderful Message, a "definite recommend"
Sometimes Fiction is Better than the Truth

Big Fish
Starring: Ewan McGregor , Albert Finney , Billy Crudup , Jessica Lange , and Helena Bonham Carter
Director: Tim Burton
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001GOH6Q
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Amazon.com

After a string of mediocre movies, director Tim Burton regains his footing as he shifts from macabre fairy tales to Southern tall tales. Big Fish twines in and out of the oversized stories of Edward Bloom, played as a young man by Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge, Down with Love) and as a dying father by Albert Finney (Tom Jones). Edward's son Will (Billy Crudup, Almost Famous) sits by his father's bedside but has little patience with the old man's fables, because he feels these stories have kept him from knowing who his father really is. Burton dives into Bloom's imagination with zest, sending the determined young man into haunted woods, an idealized Southern town, a traveling circus, and much more. The result is sweet but--thanks to the director's dark and clever sensibility--never saccharine. Also featuring Jessica Lange, Alison Lohman, Helena Bonham Carter, Danny DeVito, and Steve Buscemi. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

What is Truth?.......2007-07-03

I liked this movie a lot. True to the book, but smartly changed when it served the visual medium of film. One bit in the book I was hoping Tim Burton would discuss why he didn't take was the thing that really kept people in Spector, the imaginary town. In the book, there's a fierce dog that bites people's fingers off if they try to leave. Very Burton-esque. Couldn't figure out why in the film it was about the shoes.

However, I loved the relationship between Edward and Sandra Bloom - both as young people and as older folks. The simplicity of their love and complete acceptance of the other was touching. I thought William struck exactly the right tone, trying to come to terms with his father before the latter's death. All in all, the movie was an interesting juxtaposition of 'real life' and fantasy.

Fact is fiction, and fiction is fact; but how the story is told is what's important.......2007-06-30

I did enjoy this movie quite a bit, and the tall tale sequences made me chuckle more than I normally would while watching a movie. However, when I read the reviews which absolutely slaughter this film, I am inclined to agree with the criticisms. As it approaches its climax, it too often slides into maudlin sentimentality. It also leaves much to be desired when exploring the relationships of sons & fathers. It is probably best not to try and seek deeper truths from this movie.

Nonetheless, it is quite entertaining, by and large. As Edward Bloom understood, the deeper truths of a story really pale in comparison with how good of a story it is in the first place. For this reviewer at least, a really good story about a bunch of really good stories is justification for liking it. My four-star rating comes with the qualification that at times, it promises to deliver more than it really can, and tries to be more than it really is, and stumbles as a result. When it did become a bad thing to be a really good yarn? Sometimes that really is enough.

One of the most Creative Films in Years..........2007-05-21

If you see this film for no other reason, watch it for the dazzling cinematography. You can't help but be swept up into this magical world and wondering how such a fantasy could possibly be real. If you enjoyed The Princess Bride, Secondhand Lions, The Wizard of Oz, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory you are sure to enjoy Big Fish.

Wonderful Message, a "definite recommend".......2007-05-12

Great movie. Great message. This is one of those movies that I enjoy watching again and again.

Sometimes Fiction is Better than the Truth.......2007-05-09

Tim Burton's return to genuine film making is a welcome endeavor indeed. Here he creates a film that reminds me of what great film making is all about: fantasy, love and reflecting on the human spirit. I scoffed at a review that compared Big Fish to The Wizard of Oz when Big Fish first came out, but upon viewing it the comparison is really not hyperbolic at all and is actually quite justified. There is a unique carelessness and an innocence that resides perfectly and constantly in both films. To me, both films are truly a breath of fresh air and hope.

Big Fish is a book written by Daniel Wallace and is the delightful story of Edward Bloom, who has reached the twilight of his life and surrounds himself with his son, daughter-in-law and his wonderful wife Sandra. Eddie has seemingly lived a fantastic life of lies and exaggerations and his son has grown to call his bluff on more than one occasion. In fact, his son returns not just to possibly say good-bye to his father, but to attempt to get him to spill the beans on the truth of who his old man really is. Eddie of course, stands by his stories and brushes off his son's accusations nonchalantly. Most of the film we see Eddie revisit his life as a whole, seen through only his own stories. How he once befriended a 12 foot man; how he arrived in a town that was paradise, once to early and once too late when he turned it back into paradise again; how he joined the circus for three years so he could find out pieces information once a month from Amos the ringmaster about the girl Eddie was sure would be his wife and how Sandra would believe Eddie to be dead in war but he would return. The stories are full of details that would clearly indicate they are false but sometimes they are just better that way. Eddie is a mythological figure and that is just fine with him and as a viewer it's fine with me as well.

Eddie is played by Albert Finney who is in turn mirrored by Eddie's youthful version, the outstanding Ewen MacGregor who once again proves his versatility. Jessica Lange plays the older Sandra and she is played as a youngster by the talented Alison Lohman who carries as much energy and beauty as you could expect for a role with so little dialogue and so much importance. She is a real find and makes you fall in love with her right along with Eddie. Helena Bonham Carter brings her talents to the roles of The Witch and Jenny (or all of the other important women in Eddie's life). Steve Buscemi shows up, which is always a pleasant surprise and of course Amos is played by Danny DeVito who is as enjoyable as ever. The flat Keanu Reeves clone Billy Crudup is perhaps the only drawback, but he is a safe casting call as Eddie's son and does what he can in discovering that his father is exactly what he says he is and more.

Let me just add that I believe Big Fish is a family film. I don't see why it shouldn't be rated PG rather than PG-13. The language rises above the prime time television level once, there is blood only in a comedic and romantic fight sequence that has a truly admirable message and there is a women's nude rear displayed briefly and non-sexually. This is not grounds for a PG-13 movie. I would bring a seven year old to see this. In fact, my guess is that the movie was directed at this demographic. When content is not exploitative, it is not really inappropriate. I can't see why Rock Diesel films get PG-13ed when the message is nothing short of "Kill the bad guys, make a lame joke, drive and crash really cool vehicles and get the dirty chick". Anyway, Big Fish may be about a guy who is stretching the truth but the characters' hearts couldn't be more firmly in the right place. The scene when Eddie fills an entire field with Sandra's favorite flower and stands in the middle of the field, outside of her window and calls out to her comes to mind. It brings joy to my heart in a way that only a film like The Wizard of Oz can, and a small child should never ever miss that kind of message. Big Fish is a smart film that really generates a ton of emotion and convincing special effects. I don't doubt for a moment that more work went into the effects than money. This film carried a sense of hope, pride, real love, respect, fantasy and the crucial element that films of these tainted times often forget: natural and unforced optimism.

Then there is Tim Burton. He is the filmmaker that can put all of these elements together and for the first time tug at your emotions as well. Two things make this film better than Burton's other work. Firstly, it is real and doesn't dwell on being over-stylized and under-dramatized. Secondly, it is pure, clean and full of moments we can all relate too. Tim Burton has made a film that will alienate his older fans who haven't matured like he has, without "selling out" (he's done that before) and he has made a film that the whole world can watch, enjoy and discover this unique filmmaker. I'm glad that he saved some of his real film making inspiration for this wonderful little story.

Average customer rating:

A good movie message but a litlle bouring.
Oversized Outstanding Tall Story of a Life
Embellished Dreams and Aspirations and Truth
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY...

Big Fish [Blu-ray]
Starring: Helena Bonham Carter , Steve Buscemi , Brandon Carroll , Danny DeVito , and Albert Finney
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000M9BPEY
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Product Description

Throughout his life Edward Bloom (Ewan McGregor) has always been a man of big appetites, enormous passions and tall tales. In his later years, portrayed by five-time Best Actor Oscar nominee AlbertFinney (Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Erin Brockovich, 2000), he remains a huge mystery to his son, William (Billy Crudup). Now, to get to know the real man, Will begins piecing together a true picture of his father from flashbacks of his amazing adventures in this marvel of a movie.

Customer Reviews:

A good movie message but a litlle bouring........2007-05-07

A good movie with a message for everyone but don't really interestin.

Oversized Outstanding Tall Story of a Life.......2007-02-05

Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor as the older and younger Edward Bloom are outstanding. This is a wonderful and hauntingly beautiful movie on the meaning of truth as we sum up our lives and try to put meaning to it all. This is an important work from director Tim Burton.

Embellished Dreams and Aspirations and Truth.......2007-02-01

At the time of its release BIG FISH seemed like a big departure from the type of films that Tim Burton was directing. BIG FISH is still refreshing if not just a little strange. Nonetheless, it does not fail to entertain and it does keep you mildly captivated.

There are depictions of outrageous to intimate slices of one man's life. Credibility and embellishment is an ethereal thing.

Depending on how much truth and perhaps the importance of truth itself is found in these events, there eventually there comes the pay-off. What is really true in life anyway?

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY..........2007-01-21

This is, indeed, a magical, mystical movie about fathers and sons, which is based upon the book "Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions" by Daniel Wallace. The book is a perfect vehicle for Director Tim Burton's signature melange of reality and fantasy. The story is that of a father and his son, their estrangement, and their eventual reconciliation. It is a beautifully realized film that will bring tears to one's eyes.

The father in question is Ed Bloom (Albert Finney) who loves to tell, at least it seems so to his son, Will (Billy Crudup), tall tales about his past. The son becomes estranged from his father on his wedding day, when his father tells one tall tale too many for Will's tastes. For the next several years, Will communicates only with his mother, Sandra (Jessica Lange).

When his father becomes seriously ill, however, Will and his wife rush to his side. Father and son take final stock of each other, and the seemingly tall tales continue. As his father gets progressively worse, Will, feeling that he really does not know his father, embarks on a journey to discover for himself, once and for all, the man his father really is. What he discovers is that his father was not so off the mark with his stories, and he finally begins to appreciate who his father really is and the impact that he has had on others. It allows Will to be able to say goodbye to his father in a way that his father understands and to be at peace with the man whom he discovered his father to be.

The film takes the viewer on a ride through some of Ed Bloom's tall tales, in a series of vignettes, where the viewer sees a young Ed Bloom (Ewan McGregor) living an almost fantastical life. We see him meet the love of his life, Sandra, as a young girl (Alison Lohman). We see him as a circus worker, a soldier, a traveling salesman, and even a bank robber. We see some of the people that cross section his life: a giant, a diminutive ringmaster, a witch, and singing Siamese twins. Ed even comes across a perfectly heavenly town full of wonderful, happy people.

This is simply a marvelous film with fantastical elements reminiscent of "Forrest Gump" and "The Princess Bride". Wonderful performances are given by veteran actors Albert Finney and Jessica Lange. Look for the very touching bath tub scene, where, fully clothed, the love between Ed and Sandra is palpable. Albert Finney, in the role of the senior Ed Bloom, is exceptional as a raconteur of the first order. Ewan McGregor is remarkable as the charismatic, younger Ed Bloom, infusing the role with a joie de vivre that is as infectious as it is engaging.

Jessica Lange is terrific as the senior Sandra Bloom, grounding her relationship with her husband with a steadfastedness born of years of mutual love and respect. Alison Lohman is simply lovely as the younger Sandra, imbuing her character with a beautiful sense of innocence and longing. It is interesting that both Alison Lohman and Ewan McGregor strongly resemble their more senior co-stars.

Billy Crudup is excellent as the angry Will Bloom, the son who needs to reconcile his image of his father with the man his father actually is. Robert Guillaume is masterful in the small role of the senior Dr. Bennett. The rest of the stellar cast is superlative, though Danny DeVito's southern accent needed a bit more work. The direction, however, is deft, and the cinematography is brilliant. This is an absolutely exceptional film. I really enjoyed it immensely, even though I initially viewed this film most reluctantly, and only after much persuasion by my son. I am certainly glad that I did. This film has made me a fan of Tim Burton. It is filmmaking at its best. Bravo!

Average customer rating:

Ethereal Matters
Family magic
An Existential Tweener Fantasy--"The Dust Factory" Is Overly Sentimental And Ultimately Cloying
Too Slow
Danger-Philosophical-Requires Functioning Viewer Brain Cells

The Dust Factory
Starring: Armin Mueller-Stahl , Hayden Panettiere , Ryan Kelley , Kim Myers , and George De La Pena
Director: Eric Small (IV)
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007GP6ZG
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Description

Hayden Panettiere (Ice Princess) and Ryan Kelley (Mean Creek) are "attractively earnest"(Variety) teenagers who find budding romance in a magical realm somewhere between Heaven and Earth. An "original and imaginative"(Dallas Observer) fantasy about conquering your fears, The Dust Factory co-stars screen veteran Armin Mueller-Stahl (Shine) as the boy's sage grandfather. After suffering accidents, Ryan (Kelley) and Melanie (Panettiere) meet in an enchanting new world called the Dust Factory, where amazing things happen. People walk on water and disappear in the mist, and Ryan's grandfather, who has Alzheimer's, is now lucid. With magic everywhere, will Ryan and Melanie ever find the courage to leave this wondrous sanctuary and return home?

Customer Reviews:

Ethereal Matters.......2007-06-12

I find this film somewhat similar to, "Dream a Little Dream." The main characters in both films are suspended between perception & reality, and are given the opportunity to see life from a new perspective & correct past mistakes.

Family magic.......2007-01-09

Our whole family loved this movie - daughter age 11 and son age 16 tell me they feel so strong and uplifted after watching.

An Existential Tweener Fantasy--"The Dust Factory" Is Overly Sentimental And Ultimately Cloying.......2006-12-04

I can certainly understand why some people have connected with "The Dust Factory." At least it attempts something intriguing. This is an existential fantasy that explores a world of "limbo," a place between life and death. It's a rather fantastical world, too--what with the circus standing as the surreal exit from this idyllic place. As a film geared toward younger viewers, I suppose there are some interesting ideas and visuals to recommend the film. However, for me, the execution was cutesy and cloying. I didn't expect a film about life and death to contain such contrived "preciousness."

Ryan Kelley plays a teenager who has remained mute since the death of his father. It's one of those classic movie cliches--this boy must be fixed. One day, he plunges off a bridge and appears to be drowning. He is transported to The Dust Factory. In this world, he meets his Grandfather (who in the real world was disconnected with Alzheimer's). Of course, here his Grandfather is fully capable and loaded with charm and wisdom. He also meets a young girl played by Hayden Panettiere. She is impossibly cute and upbeat, so obviously lives in denial about her real circumstances. They form a tentative romance and together contemplate never leaving this world.

With some heavy-handed metaphors, the exit to The Dust Factory is a trapeze act. If you are successful, you move to another realm. If not, you're reduced to dust and return to the physical world. The circus ringleader is a vague reference to death--at one point, Kelley even plays hockey with "death" to win Panetierre's freedom (not quite the chess game from "The Seventh Seal"--but similar in conception).

I was never particularly captivated by the fantasies within "The Dust Factory," but that wasn't my biggest issue. I just found the whole thing emotionally manipulative--sweet and sugary. Many find that this film doesn't talk down to kids--I don't know, maybe I was a rather sophisticated kid (or maybe just emotionally stunted). The romance is cutesy cute, the lessons obvious, and the cliches abundant. A good idea, but it just didn't work for me. KGHarris, 12/06.

Too Slow.......2006-11-13

I was very disappointed in this movie. I thought it was slow moving and found myself contunually calling up the display to see how much longer it lasted. The Grandfather has such a heavy accent that I missed a lot of what he was saying but didn't want to drag out the movie by playing it back. I have seen many fantasies in my time but this one left me cold. Didn't like! I was sure glad I had gotten it from the library and not bought it.

Danger-Philosophical-Requires Functioning Viewer Brain Cells.......2006-09-04

Contrary to popular belief, films do not have to be dumbed-down for children. Much of the pleasure they get comes from puzzling out complex plot developments and recognizing subtle details. And there is actually a small sub-genre of children's films (mostly independents) that challenge young viewers to use their imaginations and film viewing skills.

"The Dust Closet" joins "An Angel for May" and "Restless Spirits" as the best recent examples of this type of film. These films have a hidden depth to their story and storytelling technique that will interest even the most sophisticated viewer-provided that they retain at least some of their childhood capacity for wonder. The weak vote count probably reflects viewers unable or unwilling to deal with a film that requires some mental energy and a few functioning brain cells.

Ryan Flynn (Ryan Kelley) is a teenager who has refused to speak since being traumatized when he saw his father killed at a train crossing. Ryan's father died when Ryan was nine years old, but not before he passed on a passion for astronomy to his son. But now Ryan is having trouble connecting with astronomy, symbolized by his inability to find the man in the moon his father drew for him. Like an impressionist painting, the moonscape becomes meaningless when viewed close up through his new telescope.

Ryan's family takes care of his grandfather (Mueller-Stahl), but Ryan barely knows him because he has had Alzheimer's for a number of years. Ryan hangs out with his best friend Rocky (Michael Angarano), and they communicate fine nonverbally. Rocky does not question Ryan's silence-he just accepts it. Things dramatically change one day when Ryan falls off a bridge and into a lake while roller-blading. When he surfaces Rocky is gone and everything is a little off-kilter. His grandfather is completely recovered and living alone it their house, which was his originally. They have meaningful conversations and his grandfather tries to pass on advice on how to get the most out of life. Ryan meets a pretty girl his own age named Melanie (Hayden Panettiere) who can ice skate on the surface of the lake-even though to Ryan it is summer and the lake is not frozen.

The story is basically told from Ryan's point of view and we learn along with him that this new reality is a place called "The Dust Factory". The film is an allegory (the expression by symbolic means of generalizations about human existence) about the process of living; much like "Groundhog Day". The idea is that most of us just go through the motions of living (each day is just a repeat of the day before). The themes are basically the same, the importance of having the courage to live life to the fullest and to get the most out of each day.

"Groundhog Day" illustrated this by having one day keep repeating itself for the main character . "The Dust Factory" does it by creating a symbolic place between life and death. This place is populated by all those in a coma state, their bodies are alive but their conscious mind is no longer functioning. These people are allegorical and meant to symbolize those who are not living a full life. The circus ring is the point where people finally decide whether to get on with living or to get on with dying (a line borrowed from "Shawshank Redemption").

Either choice is a valid alternative depending mostly on what stage you are at in your life (the grandfather chooses death-the teenagers choose to live for a while longer). The wrong thing is being stuck there in limbo, afraid to risk it in the circus ring. Such people are called dawdlers and symbolize the day-to-day existence of many people. But "The Dust Factory" is also a place where people can pull back and take an objective and distanced look at their lives; seeing things from this perspective allows them to recognize things (like the man in the moon) they were too close to see before (can't see the forest for the trees). Those who come back have no conscious memory of the place (they have been dreaming while in a coma) but subconsciously retain things they have learned; like the Grandfather's advice to not forget that you are on a quest for paradise, and that a fear of dying or hurting keeps you from letting go of security and really living. It takes some work to sort this film out and it probably should be viewed several times because it withholds a lot of its pleasure from the first viewing. The cast does a first-rate job. Panettiere is unexpectedly effective. In her prior film work, her extreme self-assurance overwhelms the character she is playing and works against her performances. Here she plays someone who uses a cocky attitude to hide her fear and insecurity. This multi- dimensionality connects with viewers who then relate to the protectiveness Ryan develops toward Melanie.

The movie goes out on a painfully sappy duet "Someone Like You," performed by Panettiere and Kelley (she can sing-he cannot). My advice would be to hit the off button very early in the closing credits.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

Aileen Wuornos - The Selling of a Serial Killer

Average customer rating:

Interesting Critique Of The American Legal System Marred By Hypocritical Director
Deeply Disturbed but Badly Wronged
uneven but riveting
Excellent follow-up to the movie
An opportunity for interested parties to make money

Aileen Wuornos - The Selling of a Serial Killer
Starring: Arlene Pralle , and Aileen Wuornos
Manufacturer: Dej (Ingram)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Aileen - Life and Death of a Serial Killer
Lethal Intent
Monster
Dead Ends: The Pursuit, Conviction and Execution of Female Serial Killer Aileen Wuornos, the Damsel of Death (St. Martin's True Crime Library)
Monster: My True Story

ASIN: B0001KNHM2
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Amazon.com

Chilling, disturbing, and maddening, this documentary examines the life of America's first female serial killer after her incarceration. Documentarian Nick Broomfield interviews a rather pathetic Aileen Wuornos, looking wan in her orange prison jumpsuit and sounding none too bright. Those around her, including her eccentric, born-again Christian lawyer, come across as moral criminals, using and abusing the media limelight for personal gain. Known for exposing the creepy and the crass, Broomfield simply turns on his camera and steps back. It does not take long before we are able to discern who is helping Wuornos, and who is trying to cash in on her notoriety. The downside of a Broomfield production is that he is almost a one-man show, and the lack of a budget is sometimes painfully apparent. Still, this is one of his best, both for the subject matter and the questions he raises. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Customer Reviews:

Interesting Critique Of The American Legal System Marred By Hypocritical Director.......2007-03-29

Aileen Wuornos became known as America's first "female serial killer" after committing a series of 7 murders against men who solicited her as a prostitute. Aileen claimed self-defense from rape but ended up pleading guilty upon the advice of her incompetent lawyer, Steve Glazer, and her nutty fundamentalist adopted step-mother, Arlene Praelle.

The best part of the film was the interview with Aileen herself. She comes across as a person who is clearly emotionally damaged, partially due to childhood sexual abuse by her father. But she also is suprisingly intelligent and aware of how she is being used and manipulated by those around her.

Much of the rest of the movie involves the director, Nick Broomfield, visiting with Steve and Arlene in hopes they can help him set up an interview with Aileen. Steve and Arlene demand money for themselves and definitely come across badly. But I also think Bromfield himself comes across as a hypocrite since he, like they, is obviously using Aileen in order to make money and advance his career.

Aileen, on the other hand, is angry about how she is being abused by the system, especially the corrupt cops who are involved in a movie deal based on her case. But, of course, she is in jail and powerless to change her circumstances. She is hoping Broomfield can help her get an appeal. But he seems not to have helped her much in that regard.

Florida politicians, the court system, bad cops, Aileen's lousy lawyer and crazy stepmom, all are held up to the light here and come out looking terribly.

Deeply Disturbed but Badly Wronged.......2007-01-24

Nick Broomfield's death row documentary interviews with the serial killer who admitted murdering seven men in Florida. Wuornos grew up in a horribly dysfunctional home, was adopted by a crazy born-again woman, represented by a sleazy attorney, and exploited by the police who were making movie deals during her trial. She was the oppressed victim who became the oppressor, but whom we cannot help but love.

uneven but riveting.......2004-11-18

Though by now outdated, this 1992 documentary of Aileen Wuornos outlines a tragic, horrible story of a woman who was fated for disaster from childhood, with one terrible event following another, until she was labeled as the "first woman serial-killer" for the murder of seven men during 1989-1990, and was betrayed by her girlfriend Tyria Moore into a confession, and also allegedly had her case manipulated by some investigators who were at the same time making movie deals.
Aileen was a person who comes off as a tough, street-smart woman, who is also an emotional and psychic disaster zone; the doctors who examined her described her as "a damaged and primitive child",

Made by Nick Broomfield, this documentary has some fuzzy audio at times, and camera shots that on occasion weave and jump, but there are many sections that are gripping, like the footage of Wuornos in court as well as being interviewed in jail, and the chilling tour of "Old Sparky", as the Florida electric chair is nicknamed (in January of 2000, Florida Legislature allowed lethal injection as an alternate method for death).
I first heard of Wournos from the TV film "Overkill: The Aileen Wournos Story" which had a fabulous portrayal by Jean Smart, but which Wournos herself called "bogus". Since then there have been many books and films on her story, and much money has been made from this woman who lived in poverty, and scratched out a living as a prostitute.
Aileen Wournos was executed on October 9th, 2002, by lethal injection.

Total running time is 1 hour and 28 minutes, and the only DVD "Extra" is the trailer for "Monster", the 2003 film for which Charlize Theron received an Oscar for her portrayal of Wuornos.

Excellent follow-up to the movie.......2004-09-26

Very interesting account of how lowest of the low swarmed in to try to make money off Alieen. The born-again christian? who adopted Alieen and then tried to sell her story. Also, the attorney was a complete and total joke. The disorgainzation of Alieens personality became apparent as the film progressed. I felt the movie was well done and a must for anyone interested in this case.

An opportunity for interested parties to make money.......2004-09-12

This is a startling documentary that offers riveting insight into the way the legal system can abandon the disenfranchised and the poor. The movie also stands as a good companion piece to the Charlize Theron's Monster. While current Oscar Queen Charlize did a terrific job of portraying the homely, luckless lesbian hooker, this film ultimately gives a much more accurate insight into the real Aileen Wuornos. In Monster, Theron portrayed Wuornos as a kind of stupid, helpless victim who was addled by drugs and alcohol - which in some respects she was, but in this documentary she comes across as quite articulate, intelligent, and totally aware of what's going on around her. Aileen is very alert to the fact that certain individuals are trying to make money out of her story, and she's very conscious of the fact that the legal system and society as a whole is eventually intent on casting her aside.

Between 1989 and 1990, Aileen Wuornos haunted the interstates of jerkwater Florida, and committed seven murders. All of the victims were middle-aged, white males, who had tried to pick her up, and according to her, abused and raped her. Directed by Nick Bloomfield, this 1992 BBC-funded documentary focuses more on the ensuing media frenzy than the actual killings and their aftermaths. Wuornos is now on death row and is being steadily convicted of all seven murders. Broomfield interviews Arlene Pralle, who has adopted Wuornos as her spiritual "daughter." Arlene is a horse breeding Christian fundamentalist who prattles on about the glory of God and feels the need to rescue and save this poor woman from her predicament.

Also interviewed is Steve Glazer, Wuornos' generously proportioned, hippie public defender, who offers second-rate legal service, and is more interested in promoting his music than truly representing Eileen. Both Pralle and Glazer come across as conniving and duplicitous, and after promising Broomfield that he can have an interview with Wuornos and see all her personal effects for a mere $25,000, it rapidly becomes clear that they are ultimately out to make money from Wuornos while she lies rotting in jail.

Broomfield's also uncovers a bit of media scheming by the county police departments' to sell the rights to the story, which eventually results in a lieutenant's resignation. And there's also the revelation that Wuornos' original court assigned public defender didn't bother to present the evidence that Wuornos' first victim had been previously convicted of rape. Wuornos comes across as paranoid, bitter, and resentful about a system that has let her down. Everybody was against her, her one true love had abandoned her and turned her in, and no one would listen to her when she claimed to have committed the crimes in self-defense. This is a chilling and sad story, but it's a story that certainly needs to be told. Mike Leonard September 04.

Average customer rating:

What is Truth?
Fact is fiction, and fiction is fact; but how the story is told is what's important
One of the most Creative Films in Years...
Wonderful Message, a "definite recommend"
Sometimes Fiction is Better than the Truth

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ASIN: B000B5IPDI
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Amazon.com

Description

Throughout his life Edward Bloom (Ewan McGregor) has always been a man of big appetites, enormous passions and tall tales. In his later years, portrayed by five-time Best Actor Oscar® nominee Albert Finney (Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Erin Brockovich, 2000), he remains a huge mystery to his son, William (Billy Crudup). Now, to get to know the real man, Will begins piecing together a true picture of his father from flashbacks of his amazing adventures in this marvel of a movie.

Customer Reviews:

What is Truth?.......2007-07-03

Fact is fiction, and fiction is fact; but how the story is told is what's important.......2007-06-30

One of the most Creative Films in Years..........2007-05-21

Wonderful Message, a "definite recommend".......2007-05-12

Great movie. Great message. This is one of those movies that I enjoy watching again and again.

Sometimes Fiction is Better than the Truth.......2007-05-09

Average customer rating:

Fascinating Horror Double Featuring Macabre Settings
DRIVE IN DISCS FROM ANCHOR BAY
Extras! Extras! Extras!

Circus of Horrors/Theater of Death
Starring: Christopher Lee , Julian Glover , Lelia Goldoni , Jenny Till , and Evelyn Laye
Director: Samuel Gallu , and Sidney Hayers
Manufacturer: Starz / Anchor Bay
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ASIN: B0000AB16C
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating Horror Double Featuring Macabre Settings .......2005-11-15

In their double feature DVD release of "Circus of Horrors/Theatre of Death", Anchor Bay have managed to rescue two highly interesting 1960's horror efforts from the oblivion of late night television to which they had been for far too long consigned. Both features because of their unique subject matter and settings make a great pair and have been given a superb release with beautifully restored prints and interesting extras. I've been long fascinated by both these British films from the 1960's mainly because of the macabre settings that both take place in; for "Circus of Horrors", it being a popular circus which hides many ugly secrets and for "Theatre of Death", a bizzare theatre specialising in productions of a Grand Guginol nature involving death,torture and sadism. Both compliment each other perfectly and boast fine casts, surprisingly high production values and interestingly complex characters that in both movies are not what they first seem to be. My personal favourite of the two is the less well known second feature "Theatre of Death", starring a superb Christopher Lee, in an unusual tale set in a fog bound Paris that is being terrorised by a series of mysterious vampire-like killings. Because of it's similiar sounding title this film is often confused with the later Vincent Price effort "Theater of Blood"; a delightfully tongue in cheek horror effort from 1973.

The first film is "Circus of Horrors".
It begins in 1947 and finds plastic surgeon Dr. Rossiter (Anton Diffring), fleeing a botched operation on Evelyn Morley (Colette Wilde). With his two reluctant off siders Angela (Jane Hylton) and her brother Martin (Kenneth Griffith), Rossiter flees to france and becomes part of a circus in order to escape detection. Very soon the calculating Dr. Rossiter now calling himself "Dr. Bernard Shueler", takes over the circus by killing the circus owner Vanet, (Donald Pleasance), and over a ten year period makes the circus one of the best in the world. He finds his circus performers by operating on badly scarred young women from shady backgrounds who he then forces to work as performers. However when the women want to leave the circus Schueler arranges for a series of "accidents", to occur which will stop the women from telling the truth about the circus and the women meet a variety of grisly fates that look like circus mishaps. However the deranged doctor's plans come unraveled when Scotland Yard become curious about the large number of supposed "accidents', that occur at the circus and the net tightens around "Dr. Schueler". A chance meeting at a charity function where the doctor's first victim Evelyn Morley recognises him and reveals his true identity sets the police closing in on him. However in a final confrontation involving aspeeding car Evelyn finally has her revenge on the man who ruined her life and was responsible for the death of so many other innocent women.

Anton Diffring, long used to playing movie villians has a field day in the role of the brilliant but deranged Dr.Rossiter/Shueler and his fiendish good looks serve the character beautifully mixing charm with a bubbling ruthlessness always ready to explode. Despite the setting being France, with the exception of actress Yvonne Monlaur playing the innocent Nicole the rest of the film has a strong English feel and atmosphere to it. "Circus of Horrors", expertly incorporated real live circus footage into the proceedings and the cast fit well into the live action sequences taking place in the circus ring. The film's limited budget is most obvious in the various attacks by such animals as a bear and a gorilla which in their contact with the individuals are very obviously men in fur suits. That aside however it is a beautiful looking colour production and although we as the audience always know who the villian of the piece is the various circus mishaps that occur create a great deal of tension in the story making "Circus of Horrors", an excellent little thriller to keep your attention.

The second film is "Theatre of Death".
This film is just as much detective story as a horror tale and has as it's setting a most unusual theatre appopiately titled the "Theatre of Death" that is home to various Grand Guginol productions put on by a small and very unusual theatre troupe in Paris. The productions the group stage are always of a grisly nature and feature torture, executions and bloody horror. The troupe is controlled by the arrogant and at times quite sadistic Philippe Darvas (Christopher Lee), who readily uses intimidation and humiliation of his cast members to get the desired efects for his productions. When Paris is rocked by a series of terrifying vampire-like murders that see the victims drained of all their blood through puncture holes in their neck, the suspicion falls on Darvas. Former police surgeon Charles Marquis (Julian Glover)who is currently seeing theatre actress Dani Gireaux (Lelia Goldoni), begins his own investigation of the theatre and is convinced that Darvas is responsible for the murders. Is Darvas in actual fact a vampire? After many red herrings are thrown in his path and Darvas himself mysteriously disappears the web begins to thicken until the surprise conclusion when it is revealed just who is responsible for the murders and why the victims are drained of all their blood.

For a modestly budgeted production "Theatre", boasts surprisingly high production values and terrific cinematography courtesy of Gilbert Taylor, and despite being set in Paris it most definately has a solid English feel about it. The main sets of this film such as the fascinating Grand Guginol Theatre of the title and the residence of Philippe Darvas, which is full of sliding doors, hidden passage ways and secret rooms are wonderful and really add to the overall atmosphere of the story. Performances are uniformily fine with Christopher Lee dominating the proceedings in his role as the sadistic and manical theatre head. Jenny Till as starlet Nicole Chapelle, veteran British actress Evelyn Laye as the theatre owner Madame Angelique, and Julian Glover as the intrepid Charles Marquis also add flavour to the proceedings in this unusual horror tale that does keep you guessing right up to the film's blood drenched climax.

A suitably dramatic pair of films for a most interesting double bill are included here on this DVD that sees both films restored from original vault material long deleted from television editions. The two villians of these two films, Christopher lee and Anton Diffring make an ideal pair and really lift both productions out of the ordinary for mystery lovers. For a spine chilling pair of thrillers full of murder, mystery and mayhem I strongly recommend this beautifully restored Anchor Bay DVD release of "Circus of Horrors/Theatre of Death.

DRIVE IN DISCS FROM ANCHOR BAY.......2004-03-02

Here are two gems with two yummy and hot male foreigners! The first film, Circus Of Horrors with the lead male played by Anton Diefring. Diefring plays a totally psychotic and over sexed plastic surgeon that takes over a carnival and subjects his female circus stars to some time under the knife with him. (HA HA) Diefring is a creepy, sexy, cold, megalomaniac intent on making disfigured women beautiful and then having his way with them. A youngish Donald Pleasance (the psychiatrist in the Halloween movies) has a bit part in the film. For the date the movie was filmed in (1960) it is QUITE THE horror/sexploitation film. The second film has Mr. Horror Guru himself, Christopher Lee as a creepalicious, power hungry theatre (of death) director and owner. The special effects are well done and the set of the theatre and Lee's home with secret passageways and the like is top-notch. This is the weaker of the two films, however, but still an enjoyable pic...

Extras! Extras! Extras!.......2003-10-02

Theatre of death is the weaker of these two films but has a great 11 min interview with Christopher Lee. Posters, still gallery and trailer. Circus of Horrors stars Anton Difring who plays a crazed plastic surgeon on the run who fixes the faces of women who he makes perform in his circus untill they try to leave that's when it becomes a horror show also includes a trailer tv spots still gallery and more Anchor Bay even puts in a nice insert with beautiful reproduced poster art and for 10 bucks it's a steal

Average customer rating:

A Slice of life, Utah style
Free Speech Issues
Living in Utah
Biased and Boring
HYPOCRITES

This Divided State
Starring: Michael Moore , Sean Hannity , Kay Anderson , Joe Vogel , and Jim Bassi
Director: Steven Greenstreet
Manufacturer: The Disinformation Company
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000A7BQVU
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Description

When liberal filmmaker Michael Moore was invited to speak at Utah Valley State College, it created a firestorm not usually seen in the heart of conservative Mormon country. A media frenzy followed, as did FoxNews' Sean Hannity who agreed to speak at UVSC prior to Moore's engagement. Protests, anger and a bribery attempt by a local businessman to stop Moore's appearance punctuate this documentary that cuts to the heart of the "red versus blue" rift in the nation.

Would conservative activists prevent Michael Moore from speaking? Would Utah's liberals win their fight for freedom of speech? The answer lies somewhere within "This Divided State."

Customer Reviews:

A Slice of life, Utah style.......2007-05-14

This is a fascinating little bit of sociology. Not a "perfect" film, but worth 5 Stars for the subject matter and nature of the participants. It's not unlike what you see in snippets on the nightly news, except that taken as a whole you get a pretty complete tapestry. While one senses to "what side" the filmmakers might lean, there is certainly plenty of time in the film given to all sides. In fact, the "anti-Moore" side probably dominates. And yes, it's overall effect is to cause one to wonder just what are these people basically afraid of? The
Hannity-Moore speeches (assuming that's what they were) might dominate the last half, but the real people of the film, mainly students, are peppered throughout.Especially "creepy" is the deep pockets local resident who will go to any ends to stop Moore's appearance. But he has the merit of coming right out and saying he considers Moore to be "anti-american". Unlike the anti-Moore student petition drive, based on a phoney "misuse of campus funds" argument.

But perhaps the most perceptive remarks in the whole film come from the student, a conservative, who makes the point, briefly and eloquently, of the "irony" (hypocrisy) that the Mormon church sends out every year thousands of young people on missions to numerous foreign cultures. And all that these young people ask is that the residents be "tolerant" enough to listen to their message. Yet, it is in Orem, in the heart of Utah, that such tolerance is being refused to another American. (he says it better than I have here).

One often hears Bush is the "boy in the bubble" in Washington. This film demonstrates that there are a lot of people in Utah who want the state to be "in the bubble". But, as Moore himself says, Utah is a part of the nation. For better or for worse.

In short, this is a film well worth purchasing, viewing and passing around. It does get to the very core of what we need to fear as this country drifts into extreme polarization and the subsequent intolerance of other viewpoints. Perhaps not as extreme as in Utah, but when one hears Sean Hannity proclaiming himself an ideological Son of Utah, one wonders. The kind of film I'd love to see shown in high school classrooms everywhere. But I'm sure it wouldn't be allowed. Try your home instead.

Free Speech Issues.......2007-01-07

The 5 stars I gave this movie were not based on any sort of great movie effects or high production costs; it was simply based on the real concept of the movie and the look at how real people act in controversial situations. The maker of this documentary dropped out of Brigham Young University to create this documentary. He was simply a University student aspiring to be a documentary film maker - I would say to him - well done.

This movie was shot in 2004 in the lead up to the US Presidential elections. Michael Moore, a documentary filmmaker and author was invited by the student body of a State University in Utah to speak. This created a lot of anger and controversy in the University. Many people believed that Moore was going to somehow corrupt the students in the University. Than, This Divided State gets into the concept of free speech and how we as Americans are lucky that we have it. However, there are many people who believe free speech should be curbed and limits should be placed on it. There are two main people who head the campaign to not bring Moore to their campus - one is a student who hands out petitions and debates passionately another one is some sort of a religious leader who lives nearby the campus. There is a serious discussion over whether Moore should be allowed to speak or not. The students against Moore disagree with his views and use the excuse that the State should not be paying him speaker fees - even though for any type of speaker, fees are common. It is decided to "balance" Moore's views; Sean Hannity will also come to the campus and speak the day before.

Sean Hannity has a show on Fox News called "Hannity and Colmes" he also has a radio program. Hannity comes and speaks about liberals the same way African Americans were spoken about in public 50+ years ago. He makes statements such as

"We would like liberals to live in our neighborhood - if they can afford it"

"He told a lie, typical liberal"

Hannity seemed like a very angry, hateful and one sided person. He also made some references toward Professors who asked valid questions -such as there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The interesting thing is, any tax paying American citizen would want to know this information but for some reason, the auditorium full of people watching Sean Hannity tells the Professors to "shut up". Hannity states "maybe the Professors should go to Berkeley".

Michael Moore comes the following day. There is a huge protest outside. Moore's speech is very touching. The scene where he thanks American soldiers is enough to make anyone teary eyed.

The student body of the University, who invited Moore, gets numerous threats, even lawsuits. The leader against bringing Moore to the campus also receives hate mail. The worst part about this documentary is the ending. To make you get a feel for the ending ,think of the movie, Lord of War. In the movie Lord of War, Nicholas Cage says there is the quote "Evil Triumphs When Good People Do Nothing. That quote is not true, the truth is that Evil Always Triumphs".

Living in Utah.......2007-01-06

I don't normally write reviews, but I see many off-topic, unhelpful reviews on this Amazon page, so I thought I should add my two-cents.

First, you should understand that this is a movie about Utah, not America at large. Perhaps Utah is similar to other conservative communities in America, but I would not extrapolate from this movie a portrait of America. Utah is a unique place -- anyone who has lived there can tell you. I strongly recommend this movie to anyone interested at all in Utah. I found the movie gripping and overall well-done. The whole turn-of-events surrounding Michael Moore's visit to Utah in 2004 is fascinating. The extras are just as interesting as the movie itself. As soon as I saw this movie, I bought copies for all of my friends and relatives in Utah.

This Divided State is not without it's flaws -- there are "soft" spots in the film where filler material distracts/detracts from the main storyline -- but nevertheless I highly recommend this movie to anyone from Utah or interested in Utah. I don't know of any other movie that captures Utah as well as this movie does.

Biased and Boring.......2006-10-19

There's a scene in this slanted and dull documentary that sums up the film's lack of objectivity: a weirdly agitated and creepy Utah Valley State College (UVSC) Professor Caldiero spits out during a histrionic rant, "There's no such thing as an objective view point. We all see things through filters!" This Divided State was shot through a liberal filter that lionized filmmaker Michael Moore and sought to paint the conservative audience to which he spoke as a lot more bigoted and hostile than reality seemed to bear. A lot of attention is paid to a few odd nutjobs like Kay Anderson, a self-appointed community spokesperson who seemed to have too much time on his hands, and too much faith in half-baked ideas of compelling the school and student body to drop Moore as a means to protect the community's conservative ideology.

A compelling case isn't made by an errant few, however, and the film's climactic scenes of Moore speaking show he is actually warmly- or at the very least, respectfully- received by the majority of the audience. Conservative speakers like William Kristol, Pat Buchanan, and David Horowitz, or members of the Bush administration, would be grateful for a fraction of the consideration and deference on college campuses that Moore was met with in this alleged lion's den. The real story of intolerance at higher institutions of learning is much better told vis-a-vis right-wing speakers at liberal institutions, often hit with pies, threatened with physical violence, or shouted down to the point where actual discourse is impossible.

With a few exceptions, the drama of yawner This Divided State is a figment of the filmmakers' editing. There simply wasn't that much of a story: Sean Hannity gave a lousy speech on campus two weeks earlier than Moore and inappropriately mocked a Liberal audience member; ill-informed conservative students try to get signatures on a petition to prevent student funds from being used to attract Moore; student body president is under pressure from conservative community. Yawn... As if to prove the point of how little actually transpired during the events depicted in the documentary, an inordinate amount of time is spent on novelties like a student who looks like Michael Moore, a Utah resident named Michael Moore, and a campus pizzeria named "Moore Pizza." When they're reaching in the barrel this deeply, you know the story (or at least its presentation) leaves something to be desired.

HYPOCRITES.......2006-08-15

Michael Moore had no problem showing his anti-American movie in theaters, but when a movie was to be shown that refuted his movie, and showed what a liar he is, they threatened to sue, or boycott, etc. It seems the only time they want free speech is when it suits them.

I suggest you read the book "Do as I say, not as I do", and find out the truth about these Hollywood leftists who hate the very system that allowed them to be what they are--HYPOCRITES.

Average customer rating:

The only horror is the quality of the Alpha Video film transfer; still, we get Christopher Lee, Leo Genn and Cecil Parker
Barbarini's Circus, come for the fun, stay for the...MURDER!
Dracula Meets Mr. Big.
PRETTY GOOD MYSTERY THRILLER.....
This is not a horror movie; it's just a horrible movie

Circus of Fear
Starring: Christopher Lee , Leo Genn , Anthony Newlands , Heinz Drache , and Eddi Arent
Director: John Llewellyn Moxey
Manufacturer: Blue Underground
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ASIN: B000096I9T
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Customer Reviews:

The only horror is the quality of the Alpha Video film transfer; still, we get Christopher Lee, Leo Genn and Cecil Parker .......2006-08-30

With a title like Circus of Fear and a star named Christopher Lee, I think it's fair to assume that the movie probably features psychopathic clowns, murderous midgets, trapezes made of razor wire and a safety net filled with glass shards. Wrong. The film is really about a heist...and about the unleashed passions within a community of circus performers...and about family revenge...and about the sins of the past...and about...well, you see the problem. The movie goes after a lot of plot lines, and horror isn't one of them.

After an armored car is held up on London's Tower Bridge and one of the guards killed, the gang is captured but the money disappears. The only place it could have wound up is somewhere in the Barberini Worldwide Circus at its winter quarters. We know there was a Mr. Big behind the heist, but then we find out there might be two Mr. Bigs, the second being the circus midget who dabbles in blackmail. There's the Great Gregor, the lion trainer (Christopher Lee), who always wears a mask, ostensibly to cover gruesome scars when he was attacked by one of his big cats. There's his niece, or is it his daughter? Is he a murderer, or just guilty of manslaughter? Did he escape from prison, or is he just presumed dead? There is a fierce knife thrower and his sluttish target and fiancee. There's the vengeful ringmaster, the innocent equestrienne, the bookkeeper who wants to be a clown, and that midget who is always listening in to conversations. There's Barberini himself, with fat lips, a cane, a cigar and a fur-trimmed coat. And somewhere in the circus is a quarter-of-a-million British pounds in bank-notes. Murder brings Inspector Elliot (Leo Genn) to the circus, and more murders keep him there until the killer is betrayed by special throwing knives from his past. And that was not a spoiler.

The movie, if it had a decent transfer and with the right (low) price might be a reasonable way to waste an hour and a half. However, the Alpha Video DVD I watched is execrable. Only scenes in broad daylight or in well-lit rooms are easily decipherable. At night, when it's foggy or just overcast, you can see almost nothing except chrome bumpers and flashlight beams. Alpha says on its case that the movie is in black and white. The movie was shot in color; it only seems to be in black and white because the color has so badly faded. There are only six chapter stops and no extras.

The movie, however, does feature an odd collection of proven, well-known actors. Christopher Lee, of course, was not just a horror specialist; he was an accomplished actor. I'm not sure how he could have wound up in this film. Leo Genn was an established star by the late Forties and early Fifties who gradually faded into movies like this. He had a great speaking voice as well that well-bred British manner that so easily moves from courtesy to careless condescension. Cecil Parker shows up now and then as Genn's harried boss. Parker had a distinctive voice, a long career, and was at his best in sophisticated comedies. Even a young Klaus Kinski is here, playing a deeply-troubled gang member you'd have problems being friendly with.

This is a movie to watch with low expectations; then you won't be disappointed.

Barbarini's Circus, come for the fun, stay for the...MURDER!.......2004-04-20

Circus of Fear (1966), aka Circus of Terror (1966), aka Psycho Circus (1967), as it was known in the United States, is based on a novel by prolific writer Edgar Wallace, who, among other works, also wrote the novel that became the basis for the film King Kong (1933). Circus of Fear, directed by John Moxley, probably most remembered for his work on television, The Avengers, The Saint, Mission Impossible, Mannix, Hawaii Five-O, The Night Stalker, any much more, was also responsible for the film Horror Hotel (1960).

The film takes place in England, and starts out with the robbery of an armored car. Things are going smoothly, until one of the guards sees an opportunity to escape, and gets shot by the other guard. Ahhh...an inside job. Anyway, the men make a unique escape, and meet up later in a hidden location. A call to the anonymous mastermind of the heist, who none of the actual robbers have ever met, provides specific instructions with regards to the inside man and the rest of the gang. The inside man is told to take the money to a remote location, and the others leave, with the idea that they will get their shares later, but soon get caught by the police through an anonymous tip, as the inside man reaches the rendezvous, near the winter quarters of a local circus, only to meet with an untimely end. The money is taken, and the mystery begins to unfold. As the police continue their investigation, bank notes begin appearing in the area of the circus' winter quarters, and Inspector Elliot (Leo Gurn) suspects the person or persons involved in the theft may be hiding out at the circus. We soon meet various performers of the circus, which sets up a whole load of red herrings, as the performers are presented as a volatile lot, prone to acting like overgrown children. Among the performers is Gregor (Christopher Lee), the lion tamer who always wears a mask to conceal his horrible disfigurement due to a supposed accident involving a rambunctious kitty. The inside man's body is discovered on the grounds of the circus, and a performer is also kakked shortly thereafter, reinforcing Inspector Elliot's suspicions with regards to the killer and his/her connection to the circus. More and more clues (most useless) are thrown our way as histories are revealed, and the plot gets fairly convoluted. Klaus Kinski is listed as an actor in the film, but his role is limited as an original heist man who followed the money to the circus. I would say he has about five minutes of total screen time, and absolutely no development for his character is presented, making his role essentially useless. So who is the mastermind? Who is responsible for murdering various individuals throughout the film? What secret does Gregor hide behind his mask?

As others have stated, this would appear to be a horror movie on first glance, but it isn't. It's really a somewhat bloated mystery/drama, presenting, rather clumsily, a number of suspects. The way motives were thrown around so obviously will make you groan, and when you finally do discover the identity of the mastermind behind the crimes and his reasoning, you may be disappointed. There was little, if anything, that would have drawn the viewer to pick that individual as the criminal, other than that's how is was written in the script. I do like Christopher Lee a lot, but his role here seems to be more of the producers using the star power of his name more than anything else to sell the movie. Leo Genn provides a great performance as the harassed by his supervisor inspector, more or less riding out the plot threads until they produce the culprit. He does piece together the puzzle near the end, but given the information we had offered by the film, I am still unsure how he came to the conclusions he did, making the whole `mystery' element a little awkward and clunky. The film started out strong, but ended with a bit of a sputter for me. And I have to say, I kinda felt sorry for the animals shown, the lions and elephants, as they all looked rather tired and sickly, as is often the case of circuses and zoos, despite even the most well-meaning efforts to care for the animals.

Blue Underground provides a really nice looking wide screen print here, along with a number of special features, including a commentary track by director John Moxley, American and U.K. trailers for the film, poster, press book and still galleries for the film, and very detailed talent bios of actors Christopher Lee and Klaus Kinski. The film here runs 91 minutes, compared to a meager 65 minutes on a previous VHS copy I saw, suggesting that maybe this is a truly restored version. In the end, I would say this is a three star release of a two star film. By the way, I really loved the tagline for this film, `The most horrifying syndicate of evil in history!' A syndicate, to me, at least, implies more than just one person...but okay, let's go along...'The most horrifying...in history'? Oh bruther...talk about `selling it'.

Cookieman108

Dracula Meets Mr. Big........2003-11-21

Christopher Lee must have been very busy back in the '60s. He was taking every movie role in sight. Perhaps that explains why one of Hammer's major stars surfaced in this minor thriller. To set the record straight, despite an attempt to package this flick as a horror film, it's really a crime melodrama that begins well but falters along the way. A diabolic super criminal takes refuge with a British circus after masterminding an armored car robbery. It gets better. Lee plays the hooded lion-tamer/knife thrower that leads the suspect list. If we follow the logic, the filmmaker wanted a popular actor such as Lee just so he could hide his face behind a hood for much of the film. Go figure. The diminutive Skip Martin is great as Mr. Big, the small chap with a big attitude. Distinguished actor Leo Genn must have been amused by his role as a police detective. He keeps looking bemused and fatuous even after being chewed out by his boss. The cadaverous Klaus Kinski is around just long enough to suffer a stabbing pain. There is also the usual bevy of circus girls in their revealing costumes. As all circus pictures, the film uses screen time of real circus performers doing their acts. For American viewers, the European backgrounds may add a certain charm. The flick takes itself too seriously to be enjoyed as camp. As a straightforward thriller, it's harmless fun. Depending on which edition you consider, remember that a budget priced DVD is better than a cheap VHS tape, but just barely. Beware chopped up edited editions! ;-)

PRETTY GOOD MYSTERY THRILLER............2003-10-01

I was hugely disappointed that this wasn't at all what I hoped it was...that being a Euro-shocker along the lines of "Circus of Horrors". What I found instead is an OK mystery based on a novel by Edgar Wallace that's fairly engrossing with some neat surprises. After an admittedly good opening about an armored car heist, the story shifts to Barbarini's Circus which has an atmosphere rife with tension: assumed identities, jealous romance, a dangerous lioness named Sheba, her hooded tamer Gregor (Christopher Lee), a shifty knife thrower and a blackmailing dwarf named Mr.Big (Skip Martin). The stolen money lands in the circus and an escaped member of the heist is murdered by...a knife thrower. Scotland Yard is soon on the circus grounds and there are red herrings galore. The heist member's body is found and Mario the knife thrower's beautiful assistant Gina (luscious Margaret Lee), who knows something, is also killed by...a knife thrower. The killer is never revealed until the end. To be honest, despite my initial disappointment, this is a colorful, beautifully photographed, well acted (if a tad overplotted) diversion that should please hardcore mystery fans. The music score is moody Euro-jazz flavored and blares at key moments which I found kind've fun. It's not a horror film at all. Instead, it's laced with bizarre atmosphere and genuine intrigue that kept me guessing right up to the end. I did not guess the killer's identity. Good supporting cast with Suzy Kendall as Gregor's "niece", Anthony Newlands as Barbarini, Klaus Kinski as a mystery drifter connected to the heist, Leo Genn as the ringmaster-cum-hero and especially Skip Martin as the nasty Mr.Big. The DVD from Blue Underground is superb in quality. I don't know why this was cut so severely when making the rounds as "Psycho-Circus". There's no gore or nudity. Just solid, well made storytelling. The action shifts between Scotland Yard and the circus and is rather tame...yet it sustains your interest. I have to recommend it as a pretty good mystery for fans of the genre and for fans of good British thrillers. But, keep in mind that "Circus of Fear" is NOT a horror film. I hope it doesn't disappoint too many people because it IS rather good and deserves to be seen and appreciated for what it really is...a really decent mystery-thriller.

This is not a horror movie; it's just a horrible movie.......2003-05-12

I found Circus of Fear to be a thoroughly bad movie in so, so many ways. Even the most enthusiastic fan of Christopher Lee should think twice about seeing his uninspired performance here. Sadly, almost all of the other actors come off worse than he does. It is very important to note that, while this film is capable of invoking horror on the part of the unfortunate viewer, it is in no way a horror film and is in no way associated with Hammer Studios. I should admit that my own intense dislike for the circus may make me a little biased, but I don't think even Ziegfried and Roy could enjoy this story. We start with a rather complicated robbery of an armored truck, and then follow one of the robbers to a rendezvous on the confines of the Barberini Circus. Several deaths ensue, two or three rather outlandish storylines converge, unhealthy-looking animals are exploited in ways only a circus can be responsible for, we are forced to endure circus people at their most crude and painfully annoying worst, and we are rewarded in the end with a final plot twist that seems manufactured out of thin air. As if all of this isn't bad enough, the print of this 1966 film is flat-out terrible. During the first ten minutes, there is seemingly no end of quite serious jumps in the film. The picture quality is so dark and obscured that night scenes are almost impossible to make out and even the lightest of scenes appears afflicted with some kind of dark affliction bleeding the colors as dry and weak as the plot itself. Even if Circus of Fear were to be restored to a presentable audio-visual state, it would hardly be worth watching.

Aileen Wuornes: The Selling of a Serial Killer - The 1992 Interviews

Average customer rating:

Aileen Wuornes: The Selling of a Serial Killer - The 1992 Interviews
Starring: Aileen Wuornos
Director: Nick Broomfield
Manufacturer: First Look Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Art House & International | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

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( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Aileen - Life and Death of a Serial Killer
Lethal Intent
Monster / Aileen - Life and Death of a Serial Killer
The Female Homicide Offender: Serial Murder and the Case of Aileen Wuornos
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ASIN: B000A2X3HA
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Average customer rating:

The only horror is the quality of the Alpha Video film transfer; still, we get Christopher Lee, Leo Genn and Cecil Parker
Barbarini's Circus, come for the fun, stay for the...MURDER!
Dracula Meets Mr. Big.
PRETTY GOOD MYSTERY THRILLER.....
This is not a horror movie; it's just a horrible movie

Circus of Fear
Starring: Christopher Lee , Leo Genn , Anthony Newlands , Heinz Drache , and Eddi Arent
Director: John Llewellyn Moxey
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Detectives | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Art House & International | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0000A0DWK
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Customer Reviews:

The only horror is the quality of the Alpha Video film transfer; still, we get Christopher Lee, Leo Genn and Cecil Parker .......2006-08-30