Mockumentary List - Ten Of The Best
To lighten the mood a little after our mammoth Disturbing Films List in the previous post, we thought we'd turn our attention to mock documentaries, or "mockumentaries", as they are perhaps more commonly known. Seems straightforward enough, but what exactly is the definition of a mockumentary?

We found a number of existing mockumentary lists online, which included the likes of "The Blair Witch Project" and "[Rec]", but, at AQNI, we don't consider these mock-docs; rather, we believe these examples are more handheld, or shaky, cam films. Of course, they do contain aspects of the mockumentary format, but these elements do not make up the majority of the aforementioned films.

So, for our own list, our definition of a mockumentary is this:

• At least 80% of the film must be doc-style (i.e., the characters must be aware they are being filmed, they are perhaps being interviewed or their lives followed by cameras, and the characters must act naturally, as if the situations they find themselves in are indeed real-life).

• The film must be bordering on believable. We don't expect the subject matter to be completely feasible, but an effort at least should have been made to convince the viewer of the "documentary's" credibility.

We have selected our top 10 mock-docs which are detailed below. You will notice, I'm sure, the absence of some of the more famous mockumentaries (such as "This is Spinal Tap" and "Borat"). We accept these are good films but have tried to make the list more diverse and hopefully give people the opportunity to seek out some of the lesser-known examples of the genre. We have included feature films, short films and one-off TV shows in the selection.

1 - Kenny [2006]
(Dir: Clayton Jacobson | Genre: Comedy)

Here's a surprise! We delayed watching Kenny, because, for some reason, we were convinced we weren't going to enjoy it. Just shows how wrong you can be, and that you should never judge a film without giving it a fair chance. A wonderful, feel-good comedy focusing on a "plumber" who works for a "corporate bathroom rental company" (i.e., he's a Portaloo cleaner!). The film follows Australian Kenny Smyth, in documentary style, as he tackles various issues in his profession, his life and his relationships. We laughed out loud on a couple of occasions, and thought the whole film was executed to perfection. This is in no way a condescending view of the working man; instead it glorifies what a kind-hearted and hard-working human-being Kenny is and, ultimately, he does reap some well-deserved rewards.

2 - S&Man [2006]
(Dir: J.T. Petty | Genre: Horror)

This film perhaps gave birth to our idea of creating a Mockumentary Film List. We watched it without knowing much about it, but found the whole format appealing. It's mostly factual, and a very good insight into horror films; both famous examples of the genre, and also the more underground variety. However, there is a clever interspersed fictional plot running through the film. As J.T. Petty interviews various real-life actresses, psychologists, fans and directors (including the bizarre Bill Zebub), he also meets new wannabe film-maker Eric Rost, who has set-out on a one-man mission to create his own series of snuff "style" horror films called S&Man. This film keeps you guessing about what exactly is real, and what's not. And, trust us, you will search Google for confirmation afterwards!

3 - Lake Mungo [2008]
(Dir: Joel Anderson | Genre: Horror, Drama, Mystery)

Alice Palmer is the daughter of a loving family. When she drowns in a dam her parents and brother are severely grief stricken. They begin to experience seemingly paranormal events and consult parapsychologist, Ray Kemeny who holds a séance at their house and begins to befriend the family. This retrospective mockumentary tells the story of the family's plight to discover what actually happened to their daughter and the truth behind the strange occurrences in their home. We have read some negative reviews of Lake Mungo, but we found the film to be eerie and atmospheric. The acting is very natural which gives credence to the documentary format. The character development is strong and although Alice Palmer's own appearances in the film are brief, you do get a sense of how much she is missed and feel an emotional attachment to the storyline.


4 - A Sense Of History (Short) [1992]
(Dir: Mike Leigh | Genre: Drama)

We are big fans of director Mike Leigh so we were pleased to discover he had directed a mockumentary. His films are often subtly humorous, as well as always being very natural, and A Sense Of History is no exception. This short film follows the 23rd Earl of Leete as he recalls his past and explains his family history. His character is, at first, seemingly harmless, taking the cameras on a guided tour of the grounds of the ancestral home. However, a series of shocking revelations during his tour quickly put to rest any first impressions of innocence the viewer may have had of him. We thought this mock-doc was both witty and outrageous. Jim Broadbent, who wrote the short film and also starred as the Earl, creates a character who, despite his numerous and severe shortfalls, is almost impossible to dislike.

5 - Best In Show [2000]
(Dir: Christopher Guest | Genre: Comedy)

It would be sacrilege to create a mockumentary list without incorporating at least one film by Christopher Guest, probably the most prolific mock-doc director in the business. Out of his many offerings (which include the likes of Waiting For Guffman and Spinal Tap, among others), we found Best in Show to be the one we most enjoyed and the closest match to our list criteria. This film follows a selection of eccentric dog-owners as they prepare for, and complete in, the Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. There are some genuinely amusing moments within this mockumentary, and the cast gel together flawlessly, which makes the whole parody a fun and riotous experience. We are confident you will have favourite characters and - despite this being a mock, and therefore having a pre-determined outcome - you will likely find yourself rooting for your favourites to win the show!


6 - Forgotten Silver [1995]
(Dir: Costa Botes, Peter Jackson | Genre: Comedy, Drama)

This film documents the life of fictional New Zealand film-maker, Colin McKenzie. Lost film is discovered in an old shed by director Peter Jackson (playing himself, here), which contains ground-breaking revelations concerning the birth of cinema. A number of directors, actors and historians give statements to the camera about Colin's incredible, but unacknowledged, cinematic achievements, such as pioneering the tracking shot and the close-up, and creating both sound and colour film long before the accepted dates of their invention. We thought Forgotten Silver was made more credible due to the inclusion of interviews and opinions by so many industry experts. The film is comedic and gets more and more ridiculous as it progresses, culminating in the discovery of the entire city McKenzie built with minimal funds, and in a phenomenally short time-frame, in order to film his biblical epic, Salome. We give this a big thumbs-up!

7 - Death Of A President [2006]
(Dir: Gabriel Range | Genre: Crime, Drama, Satire)

George W. Bush gets shot and all Hell breaks loose, in this mock-doc which offers a satirical view of counter-terrorism hysteria in a post-9/11 world. There is actual archive film of the ex-President himself, as well as anti-Bush protesters, which gives the film an element of realism (but, of course, we know for a fact there is no truth to this storyline!). We enjoyed the whodunnit aspect, and there is a thought-provoking twist which suggests some interesting conspiracies about the conduct and corruption of the authorities. We did occasionally feel that some of the interviews were much more staged, or scripted, than in many of the other mockumentaries, but overall Death of a President is a worthwhile watch.


8 - The Last Broadcast [1998]
(Dir: Stefan Avalos, Lance Weiler | Genre: Horror, Mystery)

So, we have finally calmed down enough to write about this film! Aside from the ending, which we were incensed by and will elaborate on shortly, this is a fine example of a spooky, shaky-cam mockumentary. Steven and Locus host a cable-access TV show called "Fact or Fiction". They decide to investigate the myth of the Jersey Devil and are accompanied into the woods by supposed psychic Jim Suerd. Steven and Locus do not return from the woods alive, and Jim is accused of their murder. The mockumentary centres on the investigation into the two mens' deaths, which is made into a documentary by David Leigh. So far, so good. We were very impressed up until the last ten-or-so minutes, when the mock became a regular horror flick, abandoning the documentary style altogether. If we were prone to using emoticons, we would insert an angry face here!

9 - Land Without Bread (Short) [1933]
(Dir: Luis Buñuel | Genre: Satire, Historical)

If you click on the title above, you will see the IMDB page for this film describes it as a documentary, rather than a mock. When you watch the film, it's easy to see why. This is filmed exactly as you would expect a documentary of the time to be produced, and is perhaps serious enough in tone to be believed. The mock aspects are subtle, and yet if you think even semi-carefully about what the narrator is saying, the fictional elements are blindingly obvious. We liked Land Without Bread for precisely this reason. There are no flashy techniques used. It is simply an old mock-doc by a director we are fond of. A word of warning, though, there are two scenes of animal slaughter within the film, so if you are particularly upset by this, Land Without Bread might not be for you.

10 - Ghostwatch (BBC TV Show) [1992]
(Dir: Lesley Manning | Genre: Horror)

Being British, we had to include Ghostwatch on our list. This is probably the most obscure mockumentary we have watched to date. The film is actually a one-off TV special, aired on the BBC at Halloween, 1992. It features a number of well-known British TV personalities, such as Sir Michael Parkinson, Sarah Greene and Craig Charles. It is partly set in a TV studio, where Parkinson interviews various experts and takes calls from viewers, and partly set on location with Greene and Charles at the home of the Early family, who have been experiencing what they believe to be a haunting by a ghost they refer to as "Pipes". Yes, it's far-fetched and mostly unbelievable, but despite the terrible acting from the haunted family, there is always a niggling thought at the back of your mind that possibly this could be a real TV investigation, because surely Parky wouldn't lie to his loyal British public?! The ending, however, is wonderfully over the top, and scuppers any doubt that this is indeed a complete work of fiction. If only the BBC would still produce such shows!
Disturbing Films List
Here at AQNI, we have been watching disturbing films; films we have discovered via a number of disturbing film lists on the internet. A couple of the noteworthy lists we have used are Total Film's 25 Most Disturbing Movies Ever and Horrornews.net's Extreme Cinema List. There are lots more, but the same films tend to crop up everywhere. We have been working our way through them (slowly, because you don't want to watch too many of these kind of films at once!). There are probably some surprising additions below, but remember, a film doesn't have to be gory to be disturbing! We have given the films an "F" rating for film merit (because, unfortunately, some of them are shockingly bad), and a "D" rating for the disturbing value of the film, so you can make up your own minds which are worth watching.

We have no doubt made silly omissions which we will add when we remember them, and we will update the list as and when we watch more. The "Disturbing Because..." descriptions may, on the rare occasion, contain spoilers. Any recommendations, of course, are always welcome! For further info, you can click on the film titles to view the IMDB page of that film (all links open in new window/tab). Enough rambling, on with the list...!

CURRENT NUMBER OF FILMS IN LIST: 74
LAST UPDATE: 27 November 2011
NEWEST ADDITION: Antichrist / Threads

127 Hours [2010] - F: 7.5 / D: 5.5
Disturbing Because... This is based on a true story. The film is fairly claustrophobic, and the arm-cutting scene is long and gruesome, but the humour lacing the storyline eases the tension enough to prevent this getting a higher "D" rating.

A Clockwork Orange [1971] - F: 8 / D: 7.5
Disturbing Because... The abuse choreographed to "Singing in the Rain" during the masked home invasion, the rapes and "ultra-violence", the close-ups of the forced indoctrination of Alex. It's bleak and disturbing, yet charming at the same time.

A Serbian Film [2010]  - F: 4.5 / D: 9
Disturbing Because... Possible spoiler here, although the plot "twist" is pretty evident from the start. The film features child rape, of the incestuous kind, plus an onslaught of other depraved sexual torture and aggression. Sadly the film's script, acting and plot is poor, and it seems many of the disturbing scenes were added only for the sake of provoking a stomach churning reaction. 

Aftermath (short) [1994] - F: 7 / D: 9
Disturbing Because... A 30 minute film about a necrophiliac mortician who mutilates the corpses before, well, you know...! 

American Psycho [2000] - F: 8.5 / D: 6.5
Disturbing Because... Patrick Bateman as an individual is disturbing enough - his whole persona, his lack of emotion over his killings and his eventual descent into madness. It is, however, also darkly funny in places, so the "D" rating remains modest.

Disturbing Because... The first scene of this silent short (16 minute long) film directed by Luis Bunuel and co-written by Salvador Dali, opens with a woman's eye being slit open. This "piece" (as it perhaps should be viewed more as a work of art than as a film) is incredibly surreal, so don't expect to understand it!

Antichrist [2009]
 - F: 5.5 / D: 6
Disturbing Because... Controversial art house horror about the relationship between a husband and wife who are grieving for their recently deceased son. The truly disturbing aspects of this film take a long time to show themselves, but there is one gory genital mutilation scene in particular that has probably never been featured in a film before.

Audition [1999] - F: 8 / D: 7.5
Disturbing Because... We have finally arrived at Takashi Miike's first appearance on this list! Audition is a brilliant horror film; to mention a few disturbing scenes, the man in the bag, the unaccustomed acupuncture, the cheese wire... Ouch.

Disturbing Because... If you've seen this film, you wouldn't need to ask! Three friends abduct, torture and mutilate people just for the fun of it. This is NOT for the weak of stomachs. We couldn't get through it without looking away. It seems very real (and, indeed, some of it, like the vomiting, is).

[The] Baby of Macon [1993] - F: 7 / D: 6.5
Disturbing Because... Well, there's a gang rape (although not graphic, the screaming and horror of what's happening is enough to be disturbingly effective), but even aside from that the film as a whole is pretty disturbing with its' focus on corruption of society and of the church. Peter Greenaway is a favourite of ours and this is beautifully directed.

Bad Biology [2008] - F: 1.5 / D: 5.5
Disturbing Because... Someone, somewhere bothered to make it! Seriously, it's terrible, although somehow it has achieved 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. The cast are clearly the only reviewers! It's about sex between two people with strange, mutated reproductive organs. It would be funny if you were twelve, and more psychologically disturbing if it was a semi-decent film. 

Begotten [1990] - F: 5 / D: 7.5
Disturbing Because... This black and white arthouse film opens with God disemboweling himself, then proceeds to churn out images of bleakness, torture and cannibalism. Not for anyone with a short attention span.

Buried [2010] - F: 7 / D: 7
Disturbing Because... The whole film is set inside a coffin underground (hence the title!). It's a very tense, claustrophobic film, and preys on the fear of being buried alive - I'm not sure who wouldn't be disturbed by that! 

Black Christmas [1974] - F: 7 / D: 5.5
Disturbing Because... Unlike many other films of this type, Black Christmas allows you to get to know the characters (and maybe even like some of them!) before snatching them from you in grizzly ways. However, the deaths are not particularly graphic, and the main disturbing aspect of this film comes in the form of the strange, perverse phone calls the sorority girls receive.

Disturbing Because... There was controversy surrounding the release of this film about whether it was a snuff film, or if the actors were actually murdered. It's not and they weren't, but the film's premise is extremely disturbing (and upsetting), and the film does contain genuine animal slayings. We thought the film was very poor, and would not recommend.  

Disturbing Because... It's difficult to say much about short films without giving anything away, but prepare yourself for an unexpected, incredibly gory scene. There also seems to be a background of child abuse in the storyline which adds to the uncomfortable, disturbing mood of the whole film.  

Dumplings [2004] - F: 7 / D: 7.5
Disturbing Because... Foetus for lunch, anyone?

Feed [2005] - F: 4.5 / D: 6.5
Disturbing Because... The film focuses on a sexual attraction to morbid obesity. Michael Carter feeds up women for his own pleasure and takes bets over the internet on when the women will die. Disturbing, yes, but also often quite comedic in parts (not sure if this is intentional!).

Freaks [1932] - F: 6.5 / D: 6
Disturbing Because... This film by Tod Browning was banned in the UK for 30 years before being released (but extensively cut). The actors all had real life deformities, and the film has a feel of exploitation about it, much like controversial circus "freak shows".

Funny Games [1997] - F: 8 / D: 8
Disturbing Because... Feels very real, but also totally unreal, at the same time (you need to watch it to understand this!). The two psychotic friends, Peter and Paul, are far too unnaturally polite and friendly for the twisted games they play...

Gozu [2003] - F: 8 / D: 7
Disturbing Because... Another fine Takashi Miike offering, here. The whole film is quite dreamlike (or maybe nightmarish!). There is human milking (quite a regular feature of Miike films!), an unexplained cow-headed creature and a rather graphic adult rebirth. As a side note, there is also a splendid fourth-wall breaking scene where the script comes into view for an American actress who couldn't learn her Japanese lines without help!

Grimm Love [2006] - F: 4.5 / D: 6.5
Disturbing Because... Here is a story about consensual cannibalism for sexual gratification. Horrific enough for a film, maybe, but this was based on the true case of German, Armin Meiwes; he met a man over the internet who wanted to be eaten, and proceeded to eat him! Wonder if they found each other on Match.com!! 

Grotesque [2009] - F: 6 / D: 9
Disturbing Because... The name says it all, really! This is one of the few films still banned in the UK for scenes of sexual torture. The torture scenes are quite prolonged and graphic, as are the scenes of sexual abuse. However, for some reason the ending does become quite farcical (and maybe this makes the film more disturbing, as it almost seems like the makers are trying to make light of the otherwise horrific plot!).

Disturbing Because... This is a snuff-film-style offering about a woman being cut to pieces. And that's it. There is no plot, no reason, no point. Many reviews state that this film is very realistic looking, but we beg to differ, we think the likes of August Underground's Mordum look much more convincing

Happiness [1998] - F: 8 / D: 7
Disturbing Because... Excellent dark comedy about a family struggling to cope with various aspects of life. Most disturbing is the paedophillic father, his actions, and his discussions with his son. Sometimes this film makes you feel wrong for laughing!

[The] Happiness of the Katakuris [2001] - F: 8.5 / D: 7
Disturbing Because... It's so dark and yet so happy and funny. But wait, isn't this Takashi Miike? Why did we expect anything less! This is a black-comedy Japanese version of The Sound of Music, more or less. It's a feel-good film, despite its' horrific theme, and we'd like to bet you'll be singing along by the end of it!

Hard Candy [2005] - F: 6.5 / D: 7
Disturbing Because... Another film about paedophilia, we reckon the most disturbing thing about this film is the fact that the "torturer" is a child.

Disturbing Because... Mainly the scene when the viewer is made to watch a recording of the killers at work. The scene is in depth and looks realistic. Also, because Henry never really has any motive for killing - it's almost like a hobby for him!

Hostel [2005] - F: 5 / D: 7
Disturbing Because... From a "torture porn" point of view, the gore is effective. From a psychological perspective the fear of being in a strange place with little or no means of escape preys on inner fears. 

Hostel Part II [2007] - F 4.5 / D: 7
Disturbing Because... Very much like its' predecessor, but with women! Possibly the gore is ramped up a little which makes the film equally disturbing.

Disturbing Because... Basically, the concept. It's stomach churning, and more disgusting than actually gory. Watch it out of curiosity but don't expect much by the way of a decent film.

[The] Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) [2011]
 - F: 1.5 / D: 8.5
Disturbing Because... As above, really, but with worse acting and even more plot-holes. By the end of the film, there's diarrhoea dribbling down half the cast's chins, but verbal diarrhoea is present in the shoddy dialogue throughout the whole offering. Whatever originality the First Sequence had is lost in this thrown-together sequel.   

Disturbing Because... A prolonged gang rape scene is included. You're left feeling as if the outcome of this film is justified.

Ichi The Killer [2001] - F: 7.5 / D: 7.5
Disturbing Because... Takashi Miike strikes again! Sadomasochistic Kakihara (who has slits in his cheeks to blow smoke through) encounters the psychotic Ichi and much blood, torture and violence ensues. Did I mention there was blood? 

[The] Idiots [1998] - F: 7.5 / D: 6
Disturbing Because... For English speaking audiences, the terminology used in this film is taboo. There is unsimulated sex (unnecessary, we think!), plus the whole idea of someone pretending to be mentally unsound for their own benefit is fairly disturbing in itself.

Disturbing Because... Takashi Miike again, but this time not wholly recommended. A very gory offering with more than a touch of the paranormal.

Inside (A l'interieur) [2007] - F: 4.5 / D: 6
Disturbing Because... There's gore and madness, but don't expect it to be believable! Perhaps this appears on lots of disturbing film lists because the victim is pregnant, which makes the treatment of her more potent.

Irreversible [2002] - F: 7.5 / D: 9
Disturbing Because... A sickening, backwards film. Horrific rape and brutal violence both feature. Not for anyone prone to motion sickness or epileptic fits!

Kissed [1996] - F: 6.5 / D: 6
Disturbing Because... A film about necrophilia that isn't really focused on necrophilia, hence the low-ish "D" rating. This is more a romantic drama than a disturbing film.

Man Bites Dog [1992] - F: 5.5 / D: 6
Disturbing Because... There's an abundance of murder on display in this mockumentary-style offering, and the rape of one of the victims during a drunken night out for Ben and the camera crew stands out as one of the most disturbing scenes of this film. 

Martyrs [2008] - F: 5.5 / D: 7
Disturbing Because... Some scenes are shocking and unexpected. There is a very unpleasant skinning scene, as well as an atmosphere of hopelessness about the situation. Unfortunately, there is also a bit of an atmosphere of hopelessness about the plot! Starts well, ends poorly.

Disturbing Because... A lot of what happens in this film supposedly happened in the Japanese Unit 731 during World War 2. The "experiments" on Chinese and Soviet prisoners that occur are brutal and difficult to imagine, let alone watch. The autopsy scene is real, and there is some dispute about whether the cat/rat scene is also real. If so, it only serves to make this film even more disturbing.

Disturbing Because... There is gore, a Nazi influence and a child killing. Unfortunately there is no structured plot, and you quickly become desensitised and bored with the mindless, motiveless killings.

Disturbing Because... This is a comedy about merciless murder. You're encouraged to side with the main characters, Mickey and Mallory, despite their unlawful actions. The sitcom-style flashback showing how Mallory was abused by her father is extremely unsettling.

Oldboy [2003] - F: 8 / D: 8
Disturbing Because... Well, the film's protagonist eats a live octopus (not computer generated) for a start! There is a gory scene towards the end, and an effective, disturbing twist that we will not disclose here.

Pink Flamingos [1972] - F: 3 / D: 6.5
Disturbing Because... Just ugh! More disgusting than disturbing really. Divine attempts to retain her title of "Filthiest Person Alive". We think she succeeds! 

Possession [1981] - F: 7.5 / D: 7.5
Disturbing Because... There is a brilliantly acted "possession" scene and an effective depiction of the descent into madness of the main characters. You will question what's real and what's not while you're trying to work out what exactly is going on. 

Psycho [1960] - F: 8 / D: 6.5
Disturbing Because... We only felt it was fair to include this classic Hitchcock horror. While events at the Bates Motel don't leave such a lingering feeling of disturbance as some of the other examples on this list, we think Norman and his actions are disturbing enough to be mentioned!

Disturbing Because... It would be easier and quicker to list things that aren't disturbing about this film. Sexual, physical and mental torture is all rife here. Banned in several countries.

Saw [2004] - F: 7 / D: 6.5
Disturbing Because... There is gore, yes, but the main reason this first instalment of the Saw series is disturbing is because of the dilemma the two main characters face as they decide how to deal with their hopeless-looking situation. Nice twist here, too. 

Saw II [2005] - F: 5.5 / D: 7.5
Disturbing Because... The Saw series starts to go downhill quickly. We don't believe there should have been any sequel really, the first film was good as a stand-alone horror-thriller, but only the gore increases in its' successors. The death mask / eye cutting scene at the beginning of Saw 2 is particularly nasty.

Saw III [2006] - F: 5 / D: 7.5
Disturbing Because... More of the same... the chain trap used on Troy, the ribcage harness of Alison Kerry and Danica Scott's freezing are notably unsettling scenes.

Saw IV [2007] - F: 4.5 / D: 7.5
Disturbing Because... Back with another set of gore-inducing traps, Jigsaw this time subjects his victims to devices such as the knife chair and the scalping seat.

Saw V [2008] - F: 4.5  / D: 7.5
Disturbing Because... The fifth Saw focuses mainly on co-operation and teamwork. There is blood and gore in abundance as five victims are unwitting participants to the latest games.

Saw VI [2009] - F: 5 / D: 7.5
Disturbing Because... Bit of arm cutting, bit of hot steam, bit of hanging... that's right, Saw's back!

Saw 3D [2010] - F: 5 / D: 7.5
Disturbing Because... Finally, this long-dead series has come to an end! This time the games go public with the opening circular saw trap, and the car trap Evan find himself a part of is exceptionally nasty.

Scum [1979] - F: 7.5 / D: 7
Disturbing Because... Gritty realism is on display here, as the viewer is subjected to a shocking insight of a British Borstal. Rape, violence and suicide, along with some brilliant acting performances, make this a disturbing addition to British cinema.

Seed [2003] - F: 3 / D: 8.5
Disturbing Because... Opens with footage of genuine animal cruelty (although, it should be pointed out, this footage was not filmed for the purpose of Seed). There is a lot of murder, but most of it is too unbelievable to merit a higher disturbing rating. There is a nasty scene of a baby being starved to death and then being left to decompose (incredibly rapidly!). We should mention that we have not actually finished watching this film because of a catastrophic subtitle meltdown that saved us from being subjected to any more of this Uwe Bol atrocity. Our boxing gloves are at the ready!

Disturbing Because... Robert Morgan delivers an unsettling animated short here, about two conjoined twins who undergo a separation. There is music and sound, but no speech, which adds to the creepy atmosphere that makes this ten minute gem a must-see.

Seven [1995] - F: 8 / D: 6.5
Disturbing Because... The murders are gruesome and shocking, for example, the force-feeding of Gluttony, the bladed strap-on dildo of Lust, and the disturbing discovery of an emaciated Sloth. This is a fine thriller with a clever conclusion. 

Disturbing Because... This documentary about cystic fibrosis sufferer Bob Flannagan contains graphic scenes of extreme masochism which are difficult to watch, but you should endeavour to do so, as the documentary as a whole is amusing and heartfelt.

Disturbing Because... Anthony Hopkins succeeds at making the character of Hannibal unsettling, but most disturbing is the brilliant performance by Ted Levine as Jame Gumb (aka Buffalo Bill), who kidnaps, starves and skins women in order to make himself a suit so he can become a woman himself.

Disturbing Because... Dolls are not really a prominent feature of this film, but there is plenty of slaughtering and far too much vomit! For the sake of trivia, the vomit fetish is apparently known as emetophilia, but can't see that ever coming up in a pub quiz!  

Strange Circus [2005] - F: 6.5 / D: 8
Disturbing Because... A bizarre story of incest, murder and abuse. The father/husband in this film forces his daughter and wife to take turns watching him (from inside a cello case!) having sex with the other.

Suicide Club [2001] - F: 6 / D: 5.5
Disturbing Because... Mass suicide of school-children is the running theme of this Japanese film by director Shion Sono (who also directed Strange Circus). To us, the reasons for the suicides remain unclear. Maybe there is a conclusion in the sequel, Noriko's Dinner Table, but we have yet to watch this.

Disturbing Because... The reason this is disturbing really can't be disclosed without a spoiler, but trust us, the nine minutes of your life it takes to watch this is well worth sparing!

Sweet Movie [1974] - F: 7 / D: 8
Disturbing Because... Nothing sweet about this movie unless you have a taste for vomit, urine, faeces, and a number of other sexual perversions. However, it is a weird, entertaining watch, but be warned, it may well put you off chocolate for life!

Taxidermia [2006] - F: 8 / D: 7
Disturbing Because... Three stories which lead into each other, each section has its' own disturbing scenes, such as engaging in intercourse with a pig carcass, excessive over-eating and self-induced vomiting, and a shocking climax which, in order to avoid a spoiler, we won't disclose here! 

Disturbing Because... The metal fetishist inserting scrap metal into his body is a disturbing opening to this film, as is the metamorphosis of the protagonist into a walking, talking scrap heap! The filming style adds to the unsettling feel of this Japanese horror.

Disturbing Because... Aside from the gore in this controversial slasher flick, the main disturbing scenes come thanks to Leatherface and his dysfunctional family who kill humans in order to continue their cannibalistic lifestyle. 

Threads [1984] - F: 8 / D: 8
Disturbing Because... Very bleak in every respect, with realistic scenes of widespread disease and panic as Sheffield, England suffers the aftermath of a nuclear attack. Do not watch if you are already feeling even slightly depressed, as this gloomy offering may well tip you over the edge!

[The] Unforgiving [2010] - F: 6 / D: 6.5
Disturbing Because... There is gory torture in abundance here, and while the twist isn't impossible to guess, and the violence and climax quite over the top, it's still not a bad attempt at a blood-soaked horror/thriller.

Disturbing Because... Without spoiling the twist it's difficult to outline what's so disturbing about this film, but suffice to say it makes you wonder what you'd do if confronted with a decision like that of Rex. The pace of the film and the uncertainty of the situation creates a very effective and disturbing mystery-drama.

Visitor Q [2001] - F: 9 / D: 9
Disturbing Because... It's insane! Every taboo is tried and tested here, and laid out in the open for viewers to observe. It's a delightful concoction of drama, horror and comedy, featuring incest, necrophilia, drug abuse, physical abuse, murder and lactation! Takashi Miike at his finest!