Ultra-violent, intriguing libretto and well performed by most players.
Swift Shot: When I heard this was on Netflix’ “Watch Instantly”, I was shocked – I thought for sure this would only be attainable through some back alley video store where the holier than thou never tread. But, someone tipped me off that it was a mere click or two away, and I was ready to enjoy this . . . rock opera.
This film has all the elements of a real Opera minus the inflated price-tag and stuffy, elitist pricks who only attend the shows to gain status. The effects were mystically magnificent, it had the feeling of Disney’s Haunted Mansion with an age requirement tacked on. The performances were delivered like a real Opera, sung almost entirely, and the exposition was employed using a graphic novel to easily setup the story. There were twists and some amazing cinematography with a fun soundtrack; if you will permit a comparison – think Blade Runner meets Sweeney Todd.
Set in 2056, a post-apocalyptic world is ravaged by severe organ failures that require synthetic organs to maintain survivial, but like most medical procedures, the cost of these organs is too steep for the recipients. Eventually, they get these store-bought organs repossessed. The owner, and founder, of GeneCo, Rotti Largo (Paul Sorvino) provides the organs and ultimately controls life – it is a not so subtle critique of capitalist medicine and/or government controlled, social medicine – take your pick. Either way, when you can’t afford to keep your organs, be expecting the Repo Man!
While the overall plot is a little far-fetched, the intertwinings of all the characters is interesting to piece together, and thankfully writers Darren Smith and Terrence Zdunich don’t confuse the audience, because at times the singing muddles dialog, which happens in a lot of Operas. If you have ever been to one, they repeat themselves all the freakin’ time! I was forced to watch Puritani once, and the female lead had a twelve minute solo about how she wanted to kill herself – I literally almost stood up and shouted, DO IT ALREADY! Repo! The Genetic Opera does incorporate this device at times, but not to the point of agony.
Rotti is the perfect Opera villain, with so many devious, cruel machinations – you wonder how a real Rotti would sleep at night, seriously. His offspring are vile and disgusting creatures, hungry for their father’s throne and power. The heroes are manipulated by the villain and each character is weaved together like a tapestry of deceit. It’s a fun story to follow with some over-the-top gore and excellent music to boot. I recommend checking it out, especially while it is sorta “free”.
On a final aside, I must find out where Rotti found his bodyguards, because they were as lethal as they were fun to look at! For an interesting look at the mainstream version, take a look at two separate reviews of Repo Men, here and here.
