Criterion Collection: Cul-De-Sac [DVD] [1966] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

idiosyncratically entertaining. Polanski being zany and somewhat playful. Not one of the directors best films and it isn't a 'Knife Slits Water' or 'Repulsion' which were made around the same time. It does, however, have some good scenes, good location shooting and camera framing. The acting is delightfully affected which, over 50 years since the mid sixties when it might have seemed arty or progressive, can get annoying in places but 'Cul De Sac' ultimately is a film that keeps you watching despite not having much of a story or characters the viewer cares about. A must for Polanski fans, film historians or those interested in more outre movies and maybe watchable for some other people but certainly not for everyone.

Even though one child attacks another child at school - (which the viewers don't see) - the movie is not your blood & guts type of horror movie. It's just the simplicity of 4 intelligent beings who get together to discuss how to proceed - ie: the victim's parents & the attacker's parents. Carnage ensues when the complexities of all 4 relationships is questioned - ie: cause, effect, affect, blame, crime, lawsuits, personality, punishment, careers/jobs/work, the extended family, the home.Does make you think 'what if'...???Thank You!

Bought this rather as a point of comparison with my recent experience of walking to Lindisfarne as the final stage of St Cuthbert's Way. In terms of Polanski's development this is a fairly early work but the edge is very much there, humour quickly switching into violence. Pleasance gives a tour-de-force unhinged performance. Distortion and misapprehension are the names of the game, reflected in the foreshortening of the causeway's position vis-a-vis the castle. And a car gets caught in the tide! Brilliant.

A very unusual and quirky film. Atmospherically set in Lindisfarne castle and conveying a brooding sense of isolation caused by the remote location with its tidal causeway. The dysfunctional, arty lifestyle of the odd couple living in the castle is overturned by the arrival a crude and dangerous gangster on the run after a botched robbery. A black and white film that is very much a product of the 1960s which adds to its surreal charm.

This is one of those great "Art" films - a term I don't like much, but which has to be applied here. It's about time this got a good DVD release and ODEON have done us proud. Beautiful B/W 1.78.1 photography, Crystal clear picture. The sound leaves just a little bit to be desired, but that is mainly due to Plesence's tendency to mumble hysterically (which of course is his character),and Dorleac's occasional impenetrable accent, neither of which spoiled a moment of this film's pleasures. What performences Pleasence and Stander give! Both probably deliver the best performences of their careers, and I just marvelled at them both. Dorleac is so just right as the (odd) young trophy wife, and adds her madness to the plot, as well as her rather perfect nude body. It doesn't seem a moment too long at 107' and made me want to watch "REPULSION" again. Highly recomended to everyone who likes slightly different, non mainstream cinema (I hope those words don't limit an audience to film buffs only). Oh, Jack MacGowran is pretty good too!!. There are extras too, but I haven't watched them.

If this weren't a Polanski film, you'd be tempted to cite Shakespeare: "it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." A major disappointment from The Master. It certainly looks interesting and the location is a great find, but it doesn't add up to a great film. A waste of time.

I won't try to improve on Film Buff's review but will tell you how good the Criterion release is. The remastering has brought out more detail and coupled with deep blacks this is the best i've ever seen it, noise, scratches etc. have been removed so that it looks lovely even though the film itself is disturbing. It's 1.66:1 with English LPCM 1.0 and extras are :-Two gangsters and an island - a video about the problems making the film with Director, producers and cinematographer. 24 mins.The Nomad - an interview with Polanski. 28 mins.Two trailers - 6 mins.Last but not least an informative 16 page booklet about the film by David Thompson.I love this film and miss Françoise Dorleac who died far too young.

I probably bought this film for the wrong reason, as I had heard that it was filmed on Lindisfarne, one of my favourite places. While it shows quite a lot of Lindisfarne and its castle in the 1960s, it is a very strange film and not one I would want to watch again. If you are a fan of any of the stars or if you like unusual quirky films it might appeal to you it but the slow plot and unpleasant characters put me off. That's just my opinion and maybe I've missed something!Not a film for everyone but you might like it.