The world of film criticism is a fascinating one, especially when it comes to the iconic Roger Ebert and his unique approach to rating movies. In this article, we'll delve into a particular horror film that left Ebert so disturbed, he refused to give it a rating at all.
The Human Centipede: A Disturbing Vision
Imagine a film so depraved and disgusting that it defies traditional rating systems. That's the world of “The Human Centipede (First Sequence)”, a body horror film that pushed the boundaries of what Ebert, a renowned critic, was willing to endorse.
Ebert, known for his simplistic “thumb” rating system, found himself in a unique predicament with this film. He had previously dismissed other films, but “The Human Centipede” was in a league of its own. It disturbed him so deeply that he felt a star rating was simply inappropriate.
Ebert's Rating System: A Critical Tool
Ebert's rating system, though seemingly simplistic, had a profound impact on the film industry. His “thumb up/down” approach, and later his four-star system, influenced the development of the fresh/rotten binary on Rotten Tomatoes. However, even Ebert himself had misgivings about the four-star scale, calling it a “Satanic force.”
Despite his reservations, Ebert would occasionally abandon the star system altogether, opting for a simple “thumb down”. This was a mark of disdain he bestowed upon around 60 films during his career.
The “I Refuse to Rate” Tier
“The Human Centipede” belongs to a rare category within Ebert's critical history – the “I refuse to rate” tier. According to Ebert, the film existed in a world where the stars didn't shine, rendering it beyond the scope of traditional evaluation.
This is a powerful statement from a critic who had seen and reviewed countless films. It suggests that “The Human Centipede” tapped into a level of depravity that Ebert found unconscionable.
A Disturbing Premise
The film's premise is nightmarish: a deranged retired surgeon obsessed with creating a human centipede by sewing together his victims' mouths and anuses. It's a concept that, on its own, is enough to make one's skin crawl.
Ebert's description of the film as “depraved and disgusting enough to satisfy the most demanding midnight movie fan” is telling. It implies that the film caters to a specific, and perhaps disturbed, audience.
A Critic's Struggle
Ebert's review of “The Human Centipede” is a fascinating read. He describes a third-act escape scene as “piteous, transcending horror and approaching tragedy.” This suggests that the film's impact went beyond mere shock value, delving into a deeper, more disturbing realm.
Ebert's refusal to award a single star to the film is a bold statement. He writes, “I am required to award stars to movies I review. This time, I refuse to do it.” This decision highlights the film's unique position in Ebert's critical landscape.
A Nerve-Touching Experience
What's particularly intriguing is that “The Human Centipede” seemed to touch a nerve that few, if any, other films did for Ebert. It's a testament to the film's power and the depth of its depravity.
Despite his strong reaction, Ebert still managed to find some merit in the film, recognizing the soul of a dark artist within the director, Tom Six. This suggests that, even in the most disturbing of films, there can be a glimmer of artistic merit.
Conclusion
“The Human Centipede” is a film that challenges our understanding of what is acceptable in cinema. It pushes the boundaries of what we, as an audience, are willing to watch and what critics are willing to endorse. Ebert's refusal to rate the film is a powerful statement, one that highlights the fine line between art and depravity.
