With roots in ‘70s experimental movies, early Jodorowski, and hardcore German horror, Andy Copp’s “The Mutilation Man” is surreal and often difficult-to-watch. Earth is a blasted wasteland, and the title character wanders the planet, putting on shows of self-mutilation in the hopes of reaching some element of self-discovery about his past as an abused child, particularly the truth about what happened to his mother at the hands of his alcoholic father (played with ferocious intensity by filmmaker Jim (“Deadbeat at Dawn”) Van Bebber).
Completely original, “The Mutilation Man” requires more than one viewing to fully understand the imagery that Copp layers into each scene. Some of the more graphic scenes of Puckett’s “performances” may make the less-experienced viewer turn away from the screen, but the “seen-it-all” horror geek will find it to be a refreshing and unique experience. No tongue-in-cheek winking at the audience, this is a fully realized film, expertly shot and deftly edited.
As is normal for Sub Rosa, the disc comes packed with extras, including director’s commentary (which helps to an extent to unravel some of the stranger imagery), a music video, stills gallery (including one of “dark angel” actress Kristie Bowersock), and an odd little short film that Ron must have had lying around waiting for the perfect companion feature.
Highly recommended for the horror fan desperate for something new.
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