Kissed (1996)

I had to give this movie 9 stars out of ten because, having some background in Abnormal Psychology, this subject was very interesting to me. It is not often the subject of necrophilia is presented in a film that is non-academic or a complete gore fest. The portrayal of the main character's abnormal obsession with dead corpses was presented in a very enlightened and informed manner which was surprising. This deviant behavior was portrayed as being right and normal in the psyche of the necrophiliac and that is exactly how this type of necrophilia is described by those who have this particular type of compulsion/attraction. The sensitive, almost spiritual, love that the main character feels toward these cadavers is portrayed in a very ethereal manner and it allows us, the viewers, to almost understand the attraction. The inability of the main character to have a healthy relationship with a living being is also very common with this type of deviancy. That two people who have something of the same infatuation should be attracted to each other is not uncommon, nor is the willingness to be a participant in such a relationship. These are abnormal personality disorders and as such, cannot be judged by normal behavioral measures. This is a film that successfully taps into the psyche of this type of necrophilia that can manifest itself for no apparent reason. It is difficult to know how such abnormal behavior develops but there has been discussion that it may have something to do with aberrant development of the pre-frontal cortex in the brain, although it is not completely limited to this region. This type of development is difficult to predict or to even map within the realm of science much less cinematography. The director showed an inspired understanding of early manifested behavioral patterns that created a realistic lead-in to increased aberrant behavior. Good show!

Maybe the greatest achievement of the film is that it was able to deal with an subject such as necrophilia without falling into tastelessness. It's easy getting horrified at the idea of people being sexually attracted for corpses, but the relationship of mankind with death (That primigenial and fascinating fear) can go that far and, if you think of it, it goes way far beyond . If you are not willing to get into any reflexions about how the dead are treated, you may fell uneasy about the film. The contrast between Sandra and the other people manipulating bodies (the teachers, the embalmer) is rather eloquent.But what I personally liked the best about it is how it figures relationships, elucidating the insane need of one not having the other have its own and private corner, the need of forcing the other to share it, and the woe that comes from not being able to stand it. In this line, necrophilia becomes just an excuse.

This film has a very haunting, thoughtful and beautiful feel to it. The first time I saw it was at a midnight showing in the only theater willing to show it in my city (Riverside, soCal). I was totally in awe at the simplicity of the direction, the quiet, slow pace and the really great, understated, naturalistic acting. I'm studying film-making (film editing in particular) and I appreciate it now for yet more reasons. God, I wish they'd release a DVD. Kissed is one of my favorite movies of all time due to it's (seemingly) effortless yet complicated emotional tone, it's respectful and questioning treatment of it's subject matter and main character, but after all the analysis (for me) the most important and enduring aspect of Kissed is the simple, intangible emotions it quietly and slowly draws out of me. That makes it a successful and wonderful movie, in my opinion.

I commend the filmmakers for attempting to put on screen such a difficult subject matter as necrophilia with integrity and complexity. To its credit, the movie creates a pretty accurate depiction of one of the forms of necrophilia: the gentle curiosity and obsession with freshly dead corpses. This is relieving, because the other two forms aren't quite as viewer friendly. However, there is a reason why more films aren't made about necrophiliac protagonists. They are very hard to empathize with. This film makes no real attempt at allowing us to connect to with Sandra, and as a result it is not so much a journey we share with her but instead one that we simply observe. Like watching a movie through scratched glass. Not to mention the altogether contrived relationship that emerges in the later half of the film.So if you're looking for an accurate depiction of necrophilia, go for it. If you're looking for some compelling drama or something to watch on a date, you may find yourself needing a stiff drink.