SWITCHBLADE ROMANCE (2003)

It’s been quite some time since I can recall being genuinely shocked by a horror film and one of the clearest ways for me to tell how successful the producers have been in their efforts to shock and repulse the audience is my general mood come the rolling of the closing credits. As much as I absolutely adore being frightened, revolted and mildly traumatised, it takes a special film to take my emotional state to a place I’d rather not go, and just like the gritty relentless terror of ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ or ‘Halloween’, Alexandre Aja’s 'Switchblade Romance' (or Haute/High Tension in other territories) achieves such an atmosphere of perpetual darkness, it almost seems like you might actually die as you watch the horror unfold. The story follows two college friends (Marie and Alex) as they head out in to the rural countryside to stay with Alex’ parents for a weekend of peaceful studying. After only a few hours, a strange man knocks on the door marking the commencement of a night of brutal violence that will see the horrible demise of most of the houses inhabitants.
Switchblade Romance gets 70’s style serious with the horror genre by punching your senses to the ground followed by a kick to the face just to ensure you get the message. Its visual style is rich with gore thanks to the work of veteran makeup artist Giannetto de Rossi ('Dune', 'Cannibal Apocalypse', 'Zombie Flesh Eaters') under the direction of Aja. Where many lesser directors might pull away as a terrorised female has her throat cut, Aja ensures that the shot lingers for an almost unbearable length of time. Playing Maria and Alex are Cécile De France and Maïwenn Le Besco both of whom give very different yet very effective performances. Cécile is required to play a very strong and quick witted character as she attempts to save her self and her friend from the seemingly unstoppable forces of our killer, whilst Maïwenn plays the more traditional ‘screamer’ who’s ordeal slowly builds to a crescendo of terror. Having seen nothing of Maiween’s work since 1997's ‘The Fifth Element’ and having only ever seen Cécile in the awful 2004 ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ it was refreshing to see such strong performances from the pair of them.

Amongst the mayhem, a story lies in wait to be sprang on the viewer when they least expect it and while the hacking and slashing appears to be the shallow driving force behind the film, there is a surprise waiting just around the next spin of the disc. Personally I felt the eventual plot twist (which I obviously cannot reveal) wasn’t really necessary because I was already hooked on the premise that was carefully sold to me during the preceding 80 minutes, but it’s there and very unavoidable. For me it was a very clever idea that failed to work purely from a logic point of view but you would have to see it for yourself to appreciate the finer points of my ramblings.
The DVD, complete with eye catching blood red sleeve has a great set of special features including a ‘making of’ documentary, interview with cast and crew, interview with special make-up effects artist Giannetto de Rossi and the customary trailer. As a bonus to the UK only release, there is also an exclusive audio commentary from director Alexandre Aja and star Cecile De France.

This films premium edge is its almost unbearable tension which runs right through with very little time to catch a breath. It’s small but perfect cast are sometimes difficult to watch as you get wrapped up in the events that unfold and the story, although questionable towards the end, is enough of a lure to grip the audience until the bitter end. Brilliant uncompromising brutality that will make you want to cry for your mummy!

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