[urgeok2]

I finally got around to watching my Criterion laserdisc of Polanski's first film thinking it was a thriller.

Turns out it's anything but. There is some tension built between an older man trying to force his tough guy militaristic ways on a young freewheeling hitchhiker (each envious of the other) but it didn't go where I expected. It was more of a portrayal of a standard male self important asshole type and how it affects his marriage and anyone he comes into contact with.

It's a good movie .. as a character study... but definitely not the thriller i was hoping for.

Polanski's The Fearless Vampire Killers, The Tenant, Repulsion, and Rosemary's Baby are where to go for the horror ... oh, and The Ninth Gate.

I struggle with his films .. because hes a little paedophile creep .. but he is such an amazing filmmaker. I wish it was easier for me to separate the art from the artist but it's very difficult to do so.