Censor

Le thème est excellent, l’exécution exécrable. Ce film, dont la prémisse rappelle 8 mm dans le milieu de la censure cinématographique, promettait un spectacle solide, mais l'ensemble s'enlise progressivement dans un schéma très éculé et, surtout, dans un ennui hypnotique (malgré la durée de même pas une heure et demie). Il y a aussi quelque chose qui cloche avec le ton général. En réalité, Censor attire le public vers un hommage aux « video nasties », mais au lieu d'exploiter intelligemment la controverse entourant ce phénomène et surtout la question de savoir si la brutalité dans les films peut avoir un impact sur le spectateur, il se contente de la conclusion conservatrice élémentaire déclarant que oui, ces films sont le produit de maniaques extravagants et ont un effet délétère sur le psychisme du public. Ce n'est pas un hommage, c'est plutôt une visite imaginaire chez les puritains britanniques des années 80. (27/11/2021)

Intention recommandable et bien pensée, mais réalisation malheureuse. Progression terriblement lente et ennuyeuse, qui en plus aboutit à l'une des conclusions logiques possibles à la fin. Or, celle-ci est précisément la moins désirable et satisfaisante pour le spectateur. Un film qui cherche à analyser le thème de la violence dans les films et son impact sur les spectateurs, réalisé par un créateur naïf qui ne sait même pas travailler une trame de thriller ordinaire, et encore moins s'exprimer de manière complexe sur quelque chose. Préférez Barberian Sound Studio, plus mature et artistiquement plus abouti. (18/11/2021)

Censor has to be credited with a number of good things: from the performances to a fairly constant disturbing atmosphere, but I don't think it makes the most of its 70s and 80s video nasties premise. It's basically just a slightly spiced up classic story about the main character's descent into madness, which I find corny. (27/06/2021)

I've never been a fan of censorship, whether it's the former socialist regime's restrictions or today's politically correct censorship, which I find even more troubling. However, paradoxically, there are only a few movies that I believe might actually benefit from being banned. Still, I keep this list to myself because I respect that these films have their audience, and it wouldn't be fair for any censor, including myself, to ruin their enjoyment. Despite my reservations about censorship, I have to admit that I found Censor enjoyable, at least in the first two-thirds. However, the final act dragged on, and even the uncut violent scenes couldn't salvage it. Honestly, I found myself indifferent to the fate of the characters in the last third, and the lack of a satisfying climax left me feeling bored, ultimately tarnishing my overall impression of the film. / Lesson learned: When feeling queasy, try to breathe through it. 3*- (08/10/2023)

I had heard praise for Censor from the festivals, but after watching the trailer I had a bit of a hunch that this would not be my cup of tea, and it wasn't. Fortunately Censor has some sense and is only 80 minutes long, so it doesn't manage to bore you to the point of being annoying, tiring, and disgusting. In terms of horror, there is not much to stand for, the atmosphere is almost absent, there is no gore to be seen, except for one or two scenes, the suspense is missing and it is not even downright fun. On the other hand, it has a few good things. The story about a woman who censors films is quite interesting and offers an attractive look behind the scenes, it seems like a thankless job, a few old references (Deranged and I Spit on your Grave), and the retro style with colors reminiscent of giallo is also quite interesting; I also liked the nostalgia for VHS and video nasties, which will be especially appreciated by the older audience. What bothered me is that that we watch the main character watching violence in movies, but unfortunately we have to figure everything out, I hate that and take it as a provocation. All in all, it's a pretty decent and noteworthy affair that brought a slight breath of fresh air to horror, but at the same time doesn't bring anything for the viewer to cheer about. Story 3/5, Action>No, Humour>No, Violence 2/5, Entertainment 3/5 Music 3/5, Visuals 3/5, Atmosphere 2/5, Suspense 2/5. 5.5/10. (19/06/2021)