Exploring Screen Violence

List creator: DNorton Created on: July 8, 2004 - 1:21 PM PDT Description: Low budget films and extreme violence

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	movie title	related list	average rating	MPAA rating	watch	rent	buy
	Straw Dogs (Criterion Collection) (1971)
Starring Dustin Hoffman, this film shows how physical and psychological torment can turn passivists into killers.
	Last House on the Left (1972)			Not Rated
The gritty cinema verite style of this Wes Craven film is one of the most provocative horror films ever made.
	Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom (Criterion Collection) (1975)			Not Rated
Pasolini adapts Marquis de Sade's novel, but changes the setting from 18th century France to fascist Italy and the Second World War.
	I Spit on Your Grave (1977)
When released, this film was denigrated by critics because of its uncompromising violence. It stars the niece of silent film star Buster Keaton.
	Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)			Not Rated
Loosely based on serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, the film is challenging because it doesn't moralize or judge the characters by focusing on the point of view of the killer.
	Reservoir Dogs (Widescreen) (1992)
Before Pulp Fiction, Tarantino made this little gem and proved that violence and humor can be mixed.
	Irreversible (2002)			Not Rated
Told from end to beginning, there are two scenes which are among the most difficult I've ever viewed. The music throughout the film is worth noting as well.
	Monster (2003)
One of the best and most powerful films of last year, Monster includes an amazing performance by Theron. There are some painfully brutal scenes, but the most memorable scenes are the ones depicting tenderness between Aileen and Selby.