Sheitan (DVD)
APPROX. 90 MINS. - PROD. YEAR: 2006 - MPA RATING: UNK
" ...an oddball affair well suited for late-night viewing.
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Director Kim Chapiron co-wrote the story with his father, Christian. The younger Chapiron is part of a movement called Kourtrajme. I couldn't dig up much information about them, other than what I saw on the DVD supplements. Near as I can figure, they are young filmmakers devoted to creating numerous digital shorts, which are largely improvised in nature. "Sheitan" is the movement's first attempt at a full-length feature film, while still maintaining the integrity of their methods. As such, "Sheitan" has a very underground, down and dirty feel to it.
VIDEO:
The video is presented in anamorphic widescreen with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The film was shot in digital and looks typically flat in some parts, but quite good in others. Overall, the transfer is fine without any noticeable flaws.
AUDIO:
The audio is presented in French on three different tracks, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, and 2.0 Stereo. The film is mostly dialogue heavy and everything is easy to hear.
EXTRAS:
The only substantial extra is a making-of feature that runs over twenty minutes. It's mainly an informal sit-down interview with the film's star, Cassel. He discusses getting involved with Kourtrajme, along with developing the film and shooting it. Of note, is the fact that the majority of the cast had no real acting experience and were all sent on a crash-course in theater.
Perhaps, the most interesting part are clips of the shorts which I wished had also been included in full. It was cool seeing a star on the level of Cassel, who would be the French equivalent of Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt, doing those types of films.
Included as well is the film's theatrical trailer.
FILM VALUE:
"Sheitan" will, undoubtedly, not be everyone's cup of tea. The film is mostly style over substance and no real answers are ever given for what the heck is happening. It's an oddball affair well suited for late-night viewing. If you're hoping for a hack'em up horror film, you'll be disappointed. But, fans of films like "Eraserhead" or "Tetsuo, the Iron Man" might find "Sheitan" worth a rental.
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