justintfirefly Wrote:Wow, taking to an extreme something that by itself is frightening enough! This looks disgusting...I'd love to see it!

FreddysFingers Wrote:This looks........... STUPID!!!

Quote:[SIZE="4"]THE PERIOD (2007)[/SIZE]
Directed by J. Douglas Smith
Released by SRS Cinema
Running Time: 105 minutes
Rating: Not Rated

Body-horror is the subgenre of horror that deals with uncontrollable and unwanted changes in the body. It taps into a type of terror inherent in all people: the fear of loss of control. Kafka’s work dealt with a loss of control and understanding in a social or political sense and his Metamorphosis is a precursor to body-horror cinema. Though considered a genre unto itself, body-horror is a prevalent theme throughout horror cinema; werewolves and zombies being another more mainstream example of it. Women’s appearances have been limited in body-horror cinema--Cronenberg’s works being a notable exception. SRS Cinema’s latest release is a female twist on body-horror: THE PERIOD.

Sharrie Heiman is enjoying a relaxing bath when she notices that she’s started her period. It’s not her usual monthly cycle this time, however, but an unstoppable stream of menstrual blood accompanied by horrible cramps. Sharrie doesn’t know what to do about it and tries her best to hide the problem from her artist girlfriend Clitoria. She eventually finds out and takes her to the gynecologist, who is unable to provide any answers as to why this is happening or why Sharrie hasn’t died yet. Sharrie’s problem drives a wedge between her and Clitoria when Sharrie feels that she’s being treated as an orifice and not a human being. Broke and on her own, she finds little opportunities because of her condition and is unknowingly being followed by a strange man in a mask. Just as she reaches her lowest point, Clitoria’s agent comes to her with a proposition: selling her blood stained clothes as art pieces. Sharrie soon learns to accept her condition after finds herself on top of the local art scene with plenty of money and respect, but her agent has something other than art in mind for her.

THE PERIOD is a brilliantly realized film that uses horror and humor to tell a unique story. Director J. Douglas Smith uses a lot of different techniques to give the film an impressive visual quality and manages to keep these techniques from obscuring the narrative. Angela Dix is outstanding as Sherrie and manages to bring a good deal of believability to a character undergoing an unreal change. Smith does an excellent job of creating an alternate universe for the film to take place in where everything is an exaggerated version of itself mirroring Sherrie’s problem. For a film about such a touchy subject it’s also surprisingly lighthearted, going for both jokes and horror with an explicitness and zeal that is admirable and entertaining. THE PERIOD doesn’t pull any punches and you’ll love it for that reason.

SRS Cinema’s DVD of THE PERIOD is one of the better discs they’ve put out in the past twelve months. The film is crystal clear, which is key to being able to fully appreciate all of the visual techniques Smith utilizes. The extras are a lot of fun as well. There is a bloopers/outtakes feature that shows a good chunk of the filming where it appears that cast and crew were all having a good time making the film. Also included are three commentary tracks, one each from the director, the cast, and the musicians for the film.

THE PERIOD is pretty explicit so it isn’t for the sensitive, but you probably already knew that based on the subject. It is also one of the best independent films of the past few years, so I guess in a way it really should be seen by everyone regardless of their sensitivities. THE PERIOD isn’t all about shocks or titillation. At its heart it is a very well made story of a girl who has lost control of her life and the various types of people who try to exploit her for their own gain. Sherrie’s story is one that men and women alike will find something to relate with and enjoy.

TerrorScribe Wrote:Well, I pride myself on finding nuggets like that. :reading:

Daylight Yet Unseen Wrote:i'd watch it when my cooch bleeds.

FreddysFingers Wrote:"Brilliant" huh? I MIGHT give this a try.