When I first heard of this film back in November and after hearing that it swept all the major GAYVNs in 2009, including best picture, best director, and best screenplay, I knew this had to be the next Raging Stallion film I saw/purchased. Yet, it would not be until a few short weeks ago that I was able to take the needed time required to view it. Divided into two parts, I knew that it was going to be an epic in every classical sense, and a porn western to boot. This had the coolness factor etched deep within it. There was no way I was going to pass this up. The controversy that surrounded the film was what honestly piqued my curiosity, and made me jump to the film’s defense from those criticizing it, even when at the time, I had not seen the film (to read my reaction to Chris Ward's blog post, as well as a link to his original post, go here.). The controversy seemed to stem from the use of violence within the framework of a porn film. So, what was I defending? I was defending a filmmaker(s) right to tell their story the way they wanted to tell it, that includes the portrayal of violence. Now that I’ve had an opportunity to see the film, I’ll defend this film to the death. It’s an awesome film with a great storyline. Within the subject matter, a Western setting, albeit contemporary, it makes complete sense. Truly, what Western film we’ve ever seen did not have violence to some degree. We always look forward in these films to the epic showdown, gun battle at the end, a classic struggle of good against evil, of the potential of good triumphing over evil. What I continue to prize Raging Stallion for is bringing back the art of cinematic storytelling, and in the case of this film, epic storytelling. As I watched this film, I remembered the joy I felt watching GONE WITH THE WIND for the first time as a child. The running time didn’t seem to bother me then, I was marveling at the scope of the story and its artistry, that even as a child, I was able to appreciate. I thought even more as I was watching TO THE LAST MAN, that they truly don’t make films like this anymore. This film is a classic in every way, worthy of my praise. So I picked it up, clutched it to my heart, and placed it lovingly on my genius list. There is truly so much to tell that when it comes time, it will be far easier for me to show it, and believe me…there is plenty to show.
The Elephant
Now, I know what you are all thinking: what’s up with the title? What elephant? Patience. I’m into the slow build. Bare with me; I haven’t had the requisite full pot of coffee yet. But if you hate suspense I’ll tell you and I hope I’m not spoiling anything for those who haven’t seen the film yet. The elephant I’m referring to in the title of this essay is the now notorious rape scene near the end of the film. I wanted to discuss this now because if I didn’t, for me, it would be like, (and I’m quoting my favorite comic George Carlin here), ‘the elephant in the living room that everyone sees but no one wants to be the first to speak up about’. I need to say right now (and I’ll talk more about it), rape scenes in films make me a bit uncomfortable (who wouldn’t feel that way?). But this scene, the way it was performed and shot was extremely realistic, and was absolutely without a shred of doubt, a killer scene. It fit completely within the story they had set as well as the characters themselves, so this was in no way, shape, or form, a gratuitous scene, like so many in other films, including most horror films. It was intense and frightening as fuck, and I swear at the end, I wanted to give everyone huge hugs for giving what could not be an easy thing to do for anyone involved with the scene, in front of the camera, or behind it. I likened its intensity to the scene in Gasper Noe’s IRREVERSIBLE, but far more frightening. As brutal as that scene was, it nowhere near touched my fear level the way the scene in TO THE LAST MAN did, possibly because it was two on one as opposed to one on one, a more expected, common scenario. But what both of these films had in common was the strong effect they had on me after viewing them. I felt an adrenaline surge as if I was on the fastest, scariest rollercoaster in the world. I felt my heart pounding, sweating and trembling. I couldn’t feel my legs for a bit but I knew I wanted to watch the films again right after, just like going back and riding that scary rollercoaster. It was the moment when I realized I’ve seen something of such raw, intense power, something so totally unique, and special, and I felt that it was the best sex I’ve had in quite a while. That in itself is glowing testimony to the people who created this work. That’s the effect a great film should have on the one watching. Well, after such an adrenaline high, I immediately had to sleep for about six hours straight, not waking up until 11:30pm that night. I was exhausted, pleasurably spent. I can hear the question now: was she talking about the rape scene? *chuckle* That was only a minuscule part of it. I was talking about the effect the film had on me overall, because I watched this film the way the filmmakers wanted me to view it: both parts, back to back, start to glorious finish, with only the obvious interruptions. It clocks in at just under six hours, a true epic. For me, a true lover of film, it was an orgasmic time, very well spent.
Seeing as I probably piqued your curiosity regarding the scene in question, I have only a brief clip of it. It's a scary scene; one of the scariest and intense by far, and Ricky Sinz easily took the front spot on my favorite villain list, unseating my favorite bad-ass, David Hess (who played Krug in Wes Craven's original 1972 classic, LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT). Like I said, this was a killer scene. Afraid that folks would take it out of the context of the film, I wanted to give a bit of lead-in. Up until this scene, the tempers and tensions have been festering to the breaking point. Tanner (Scott Tanner), after only a few months before, has lost his own brother and seeing several deaths on both sides, decides that enough is enough. He decides to go to Rick to try and quell their differences and end the bloodshed, only to have Rick's fury unleashed onto him. This scene was not easy to do for anyone involved but I love and respect how it was done and handled. Trust me....as the scene in Irreversible, this one also wasn't easy to watch, and it truly scared the piss out of me...coming from a twenty-year veteran horror film fan, scaring me is pretty hard to do. These guys did it, and did it well...maybe a little too well for comfort. Still as much as it scared me, I loved the fact that it did. This scene too, would be the lead in for the final gun battle at the film's climax.:
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