Reviews
John Chard

John Chard

April 10, 2014
7.0
The Brute Syndrome. The Brute is written and directed by Gerry O’Hara. It stars Julian Glover, Sarah Douglas, Roberta Gibbs, Bruce Robinson, Suzanne Stone, Kenneth Nelson, Jenny Twigge and Nicholas Barnes. Music is by Kenneth V. Jones and cinematography by Dennis C. Lewiston. Model Diane Shepherd (Douglas) is emotionally stuck in a violent marriage to her husband Tim (Glover), who in his constant paranoia accuses her of infidelity. Finally having enough, she finds shelter with photographer Mark (Robinson) and his girlfriend Carrie (Stone). Meeting up with another abused wife, Millie (Twigge), Diane begins to find hope for the future, but then Tim informs her that if she doesn't come back to him, he will see to it that he gains custody of their young son and make it impossible for her to see him freely. Tricky subject matter inevitably invokes tricky human reactions, something writer and director Gerry O’Hara knows only too well. Given the “X” certificate upon its release in the UK, the film was promptly vilified by most critics and caused uproar in press and women’s group circles. It seems that back in 1977 the issue of domestic abuse should not be put up as a filmic subject. Things didn’t help that the marketing department played it up as a horror movie, something O’Hara wasn’t aiming for, whilst some mischievous critics angled it as sensationalist soft-core pornography! Viewed now, and it’s become something of a rare movie, there’s flaws aplenty for sure, but one of them isn’t being sensationalist for sensationalist’s sake. Tonally the picture is all over the place, one minute it’s grabbing you by the throat and shaking you, the next it’s almost like we have been transported into some swanky kitchen sink drama. In fact quite early on it gets a little bit sketchy as to where its heart is, but once Diane makes the decision to leave Teddy (how inappropriately cuddly a name can be eh?!), and we get brought into Millie’s awful world (Twigge excellent) then pic finds its rhythm and makes telling and dramatic points. The violence here is tame by today’s standards, unsurprisingly of course, but it’s still terrifying, especially with the Millie scenes, but I reiterate, this is not a horror movie per se. Don’t seek this out if you are looking for something like The Stepfather, this is a social concern movie about horror inflicted domestically, there is a big difference. Lead cast members are more than up to the task of bringing the story home safely, though some of the support work is decidedly amateurish, and those irked by PC issues in movies are likely to draw back their bow and arrows ready to fire off a poisonous dart. A journalist friend of mine went to a special educational double bill screening of The Brute and The Burning Bed (Farrah Fawcett TV movie) in the early 90s. She said that at the end of The Brute the audience applauded and it was a hot-bed of debate in the bar afterwards. I didn’t feel like clapping myself when I watched it yesterday, I felt exhausted yet strangely uplifted. You see here’s the thing, it’s all in the finale, in its hopeful denouement, and with the realisation this is not about The Brute of the title, this is about the women. Very much so. No masterpiece is this, but a very smart and misunderstood piece of cinema. 7/10

Recommendation Movies

5.1
Action
View
5.1
Don't Look Back
Don't Look Back1996
6.6
Horror
View
6.6
Saint Maud
Saint Maud2020
6.4
Comedy
View
6.4
Best Sellers
Best Sellers2021
6
Comedy
View
6
The King of Algiers
The King of Algiers2023
6.3
Fantasy
View
6.3
Once Upon a Crime
Once Upon a Crime2023
6.8
War
View
6.8
The Last Frontier
The Last Frontier2020
5.9
Action
View
5.9
Cash Out
Cash Out2024
6.9
Romance
View
6.9
Don't Blame Karma!
Don't Blame Karma!2022
6.2
Horror
View
6.2
New Life
New Life2024
6
Mystery
View
6
Mindcage
Mindcage2022
7.7
Animation
View
7.7
South Park: Joining the Panderverse
South Park: Joining the Panderverse2023
7.4
Animation
View
7.4
Drifting Home
Drifting Home2022
6.2
Thriller
View
6.2
Operation Napoleon
Operation Napoleon2023
7.2
Comedy
View
7.2
Es por su bien
Es por su bien2024
5.4
Thriller
View
5.4
The Strays
The Strays2023
7.8
Animation
View
7.8
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal the Movie Part 1
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal the Movie Part 12021
6.5
Horror
View
6.5
Blood
Blood2023
6.3
Action
View
6.3
F/X2
F/X21991
6.1
TV Movie
View
6.1
I'll Be Home for Christmas
I'll Be Home for Christmas2016
6.4
Action
View
6.4
Soulcatcher
Soulcatcher2023
© 2024 MoovieTime. All rights reserved.Made with Nuxt