A Daring And Fearless Film...

EVOL666

First off - IN A GLASS CAGE is not a film for the "mainstream" film-goer. The subject matter of this film is very dark, and although it's not especially "gory", the abuse and torture featured is displayed unflinchingly and unapologetically.

Klaus is an ex-Nazi doctor and a pedophile, who after an unsuccessful suicide attempt, is confined to an iron-lung in order to keep him alive. His wife, Griselda, is beginning to feel the stress of caring for someone who is absolutely dependent on her for even the most basic needs - and decides it's time to hire a proper nurse. Right about this time, Angelo - a young man who claims to be a nurse - shows up to offer his assistance. Despite the fact that Angelo is obviously pretty inexperienced in terms of nursing skills, Klaus convinces Griselda to let the boy stay. But Angelo seems to have alterior motives for his interest in Klaus - and we soon begin to realize that Angelo's "interest" in Klaus is not in his care and well-being - but much the opposite...

IN A GLASS CAGE is a strong and confrontational film, exploring subjects of pedophilia, madness, and revenge head-on. With inferior films such as SALO: 120 DAYS OF SODOM exploring much of the same territory (and doing a much poorer job of it...) - I'm surprised that IN A GLASS CAGE hasn't received more notoriety or recognition than it has. It's hard to rate or "enjoy" a film like this...but it IS a film to be appreciated for it's stark honesty in dealing with objectionable subject matter. Never quite falling into the "sleazy" category (as the aforementioned SALO does...), IN A GLASS CAGE is really a very primal tale of lost innocence and revenge. Not to be outshadowed by the subject matter of the film, are the absolutely exceptional performances by all involved. The characters of Klaus, Griselda, Rena (their daughter), and most notably, Angelo - are all played with incredible realism and commitment - not an easy thing to do given the extremely challenging content. There are also a few brief scenes by some young supporting actors that are absolutely harrowing. Also of note is the strong and competent cinematography, with a very conscious awareness of color (or lack thereof...) and certain tense scenes that to me recalled moments of Argento's SUSPIRIA - and are as tense as any horror film I've ever seen.

Overall, I can't say that I "enjoyed" IN A GLASS CAGE in terms of sheer "entertainment" value, because there is really nothing to enjoy about child abuse and pedophilia - but I respect Agusti Villaronga's fearless direction and integrity. I would not recommend this film to those that do not actively seek out challenging, disturbing, thought-provoking cinema - and "gorehounds" and "sleaze-addicts" (of which I admittedly AM one also...) will probably be disappointed if they go into this film looking for a blood-bath or a sleazy trash-fest. But the more daring and open-minded viewers will probably appreciate - if not necessarily enjoy - this incredibly ballsy film. 9/10

score 9/10

EVOL666 1 March 2006

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1303646/