Antichrist - Sex shocker passed 18 and uncut for UK release
Preview by Jack Foley
ANTICHRIST, Lars von Trier’s notorious Cannes shocker, has been given an 18 certificate by the BBFC and remains completely uncut.
Described as “the most shocking film in the history of the Cannes Film Festival”, Antichrist will hit UK cinemas on July 24, 2009.
The film marks the latest from provocative Danish director von Trier and stars Charlotte Gainsbourg and Willem Dafoe. It’s described as a psychological horror film that exposes viewers to explicit penetrative sex and masturbation, extreme torture and genital mutilation (including an infamous clitorectemy).
Antichrist outraged viewers at the world premiere at the recent Cannes Film Festival (2009) and, in London, two press screenings in the past seven days have seen several journalists walk out in disgust and repulsion.
While many film distributors doubted that Antichrist could be released in the UK uncut, the British cinema-going audience will now have their chance to watch this ‘must see’ film of the summer.
The BBFC have conceded that “there is no doubt that some viewers will find the images disturbing and offensive.”
Curzon Artificial Eye CEO, Philip Knatchbull commented: “There’s no doubt that Antichrist is a controversial film but it’s our duty as a distributor to present the works of talented directors such as Lars Von Trier in their original form exactly as the director intended.
“We fully support the BBFC’s decision to allow people to make up their own minds about this film.”
Director von Trier added: “I can offer no excuse for Antichrist. Other than my absolute belief in the film – the most important film of my entire career.”
Cannes outrage
Following its Cannes debut earlier this year, Antichrist was described as the first “turkey” of the festival.
Gainsbourg and Dafoe star as a couple who retreat to their cabin in the woods in an attempt to repair their broken hearts and troubled marriage.
But critics were scathing, booing and even laughing at it on several occasions. Variety described it as “a big fat art-film fart” and predicted that even fans of the director would find his latest outing “risible, off-putting or both”.
In response, Trier defiantly declared himself to be the best director in the world, adding: “All the others are over-rated.”
Audiences will be able to judge for themselves soon… if they dare!