
Begotten
1991, Drama, 1h 18m
9 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsYou might also like
Begotten Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
God Killing Himself
Mother Earth
Son Of Earth - Flesh On Bone
Director
Critic Reviews for Begotten
All Critics (9) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (6) | Rotten (3)
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Mr. Merhige's concentration, while impressive in its way, seems almost entirely self-contained, with little effort to engage an audience on even the level of myth; the film's approach is far too grotesque for that.
August 30, 2004 | Rating: 2.5/5 -
If you're squeamish you should avoid this like the plague; others may find it hard to shake off the artistry and originality of this visionary effort. And if you're looking to be freaked out you shouldn't pass it up.
January 1, 2000 | Full Review… -
This one is made for freaks and those who love strange films.
May 29, 2016 | Rating: B+ | Full Review… -
Quote not available.
June 12, 2005 | Rating: 3/5 -
Quote not available.
June 23, 2004 | Rating: 4/5 -
Plays too much like an earnest repertory-theater group going through various bizarro configurations.
December 30, 2002 | Rating: 1/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Begotten
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Aug 28, 2013At last, a film for people who found "Eraserhead" too commercial. This underground horror relic starts with a twitching God figure disemboweling himself and giving birth to a full-grown woman (credited as "Mother Earth"). She returns the favor by bringing him to orgasm and manually impregnating herself with his semen. From there, the story takes a strange turn. Features include abduction, rape and various ritualistic activities that defy interpretation. The plot has been described as a retelling of the creation myth, but trying to follow a linear story is purely optional. Suffice to say, this a great movie if you're a fan of convulsions. There is no dialogue, and the soundtrack is an alien mix of birds, crickets, flies, low drones and what sounds like the ambient splashes of a toilet tank. The visual look of "Begotten" is impossible to forget. Its gritty, black-and-white texture was apparently created through shooting with reversal stock and then re-photographing each frame for an extra layer of distortion. Often, it's difficult to tell what is happening and the image approaches pure abstraction. It's a relief that this film is only 78 minutes, because further length would defy almost anyone's endurance. Surprisingly, director E. Elias Merhige went on to craft the considerably more accessible (if equally macabre) "Shadow of the Vampire."Eric B Super Reviewer
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Feb 22, 2012It's not much, but damn does it leave a hell of an impression. An exercise in the power of images and an attempt to use dissonant sensations to create a desired experience. Job well done.Edward S Super Reviewer
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Nov 09, 2011A very interesting meditative movie shot only with two colours, black and white that requires a lot of patience to appreciate but is indeed unique and surreally beautiful on it's brutality. The type of movie you only watch once in a lifetime.Francisco G Super Reviewer
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Nov 02, 2011<i>Prick your finger, it is done The moon has now eclipsed the sun The angel has spread its wings The time has come for bitter things</i> 100/100Edgar C Super Reviewer
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