Repulsion, Roman Polanski (1965 UK)

Characters: 2
Screenplay: 2
Cinematography: 1
Emotional: 1

Overall: 1.5

A decent psychological thriller that I probably underrate without taking into account the time period it came from.



Carole was introduced briefly and without much depth. A foreigner with communication problems and good lucks did not interest me much— my investment in her development was minimal. Other characters were shallow and/or not explored. A few bits are shown of Colin, the only character that seeks sympathy from the viewer; But the movie was from the perspective of Carole, who was likely lost within her own mind.

As Carole began to deteriorate and schizophrenia developed, her character became more interesting. Her reactions were convincing, even when she became more demented and seemingly looked forward to her hallucinations of rape.

One amazing note is that Polanski and Brach did no research on schizophrenia.


To me, the dialog fell flat throughout the movie. None of the conversations were interesting, but perhaps this isn't one of those movies, it's more of a realistic character study-- the conversations were as lame as any-day.

For its time, the visual representation of a rotting mind was well done. Juxtaposed with the rotting carcass, Carole's mind plays tricks as her former safe place crumbles before her. It begins with her sister being taken away from her: as she feels she has no one left to see her, her mind takes over and tears apart her home while sending sex-crazed men at her.

By the end, she seems at peace with it all, putting lipstick on as she hears the bells toll for her-- an unsettling sight when compared to the lady in the beginning, the innocent white-dressed angel that had not a worry.

Finally with the ending photograph, it is alluded to that she was always a little off the rocker and that perhaps the source of the hallucinations was rape by her father. It begins with hearing sex from her sister, and grows into watching the door handle like a poor child but without the power to do anything.

The movie is subtle in its storytelling, but for me, it is too subtle with not enough depth to it. For example, I strongly prefer Mulholland Dr. to this.


The view of the 60's world is refreshing, but I did not find Repulsion a treat to watch. I want more wide angle, more isolating telephoto, and some more lighting in the deep dark apartment.


I found the character study interesting, but was not attached in any way. Call me cruel, but I was more shocked and hurt by the dead rabbit.