Collar (2014)
Review by Jude
Felton
If Ryan
Nicholson wasn’t such a damned nice guy, I would swear that there was something
seriously wrong with him. Honestly, the levels in which he has taken, and
continues to take, his films never cease to amaze me. It really is a pleasure to
sit back and watch films in which nothing is taboo, and there is a genuine
attempt made to further the extremes and boundaries in which he can take horror
and exploitation.
The latest
film, in its North American Premiere (once again at the Slaughter in Syracuse
Underground Horror Film Festival 2014), is a further example of depravity,
violence and of course nudity. Collar is also a return to the visual style of
movies such as Gutterballs and Hanger, where the sleaze and grime oozes from
the screen, as opposed to the colder style of handheld camera in Dead Nude
Girls.
Visually
similar, Collar may be to those films, but the style of narrative and general
tone is further removed. For a start there are no real characters in which to
root for, in the traditional sense, and there film itself seems to be a
snapshot of the underbelly of society, rather than your typical start, middle
and finish kind of film. Also, dare I say it, Collar is right up there with
Nicholson’s best; it is certainly my favorite film of his. Damn it, I seem to
say that after every film! However, everything about this film worked for me;
from the style, the violence, the cold cruelty and, first and foremost, an
absolutely stunning turn from actor Nick Principe.
Nick Principe
plays Massive; a man who lives up to his name. A former priest, with a very
shady past, who tortures himself and also allows himself to become the subject
of two assholes who make ‘bum fight’ style videos. They record Massive maiming,
killing and even raping his victims, all while the two miscreants record
everything.
Into this
horrific mix you can add cops, hookers, drug dealers, drug buyers and lesbians.
Yes, Nicholson threw the kitchen sink at this fucker, and by god it all stuck.
As I
mentioned before, it’s Principe who rules and destroys in this film. He barely
says a word, aside from in some of the film’s flashback sequences, yet he still
manages to relay the fear, hatred and inner turmoil of his character, whilst
also laying waste to absolutely everyone he comes into contact with. A truly
terrifying performance from the man.
During the
film’s short running time, which is about 70 minutes, director Nicholson
manages to shoehorn in plenty of graphic sex, violence and bodily dismemberment
to satiate all but the most cynical gore hound. This is real, or reel, horror
made by a fan for the fans, and even though some of the onscreen events are
truly heinous, it is also great fun to watch. Hell, it even has one or two ‘happy’
moments!
Ryan
Nicholson continues to feed from, give back to and fuel the underground horror
genre, and is doing a terrific job in the process. Of course, everyone in
Collar contributes to the success of the film, yet it is Nicholson who brings
it all to life in one jaw-ripping, broken bottle-wielding atrocity.
Plotdigger
Film fans will love Collar, as I would hope that all fans of true underground
horror will. Collar looks like a film, and not a home movie, and for that I am
truly grateful; the content of which is a gruesome treat to watch.
Collar was available on VHS from Vultra Video (it's sold out) and will see a release on DVD from Unearthed Films later this year.
No comments:
Post a Comment