Faces of Gore

Faces of Gore (1999) is an infamous and controversial shock-documentary film created by Todd Tjersland, starring him and Steve Sheppard. A cult classic in the realm of horror and gore cinema, the film stands as a symbol of the ultra-violent, reality-based exploitation cinema that shocked audiences towards the end of the 20th century. It exposes viewers to real-life scenes of graphic horror narrated with cynical humor, not something for the faint of heart.

Directed and narrated by Tjersland himself, Faces of Gore starts with a chillingly humorous introduction into the dark recesses of humanity. This particular film serves as a highlight to the Reality Horror genre which, although criticized by many, still possesses a strong cult following. The gritty filmmaking style and relentless depiction of real-life tragedies convey a macabre yet compelling viewing experience.

Comprising footage from various sources, Faces of Gore brings to light an extensive compilation of graphic scenes involving car accidents, crimes, autopsies, and other violent incidents. Its raw footage is intended to force viewers to face the brutal realities of the world. Just as the title implies, the movie leaves nothing to the imagination, laying bare the gruesome details of various deaths and dismemberments.

One of the unique components of Faces of Gore is that it's guided by the morbidly humorous commentary of Tjersland, who slips into the character of Dr. Vincent Van Gore. The titular character mischievously leads viewers into a dark world that lies beneath the usual sanitized media coverage. Dr. Gore’s commentary, laden with dark humor and sarcastic quips, serves to lighten the intensity of the often grim visuals. This might be viewed by some as a strange and jarring juxtaposition but it is undeniably a distinctive characteristic of this series.

The performance of Steve Sheppard further draws viewers into the disturbing universe of Faces of Gore. The interaction between Tjersland and Sheppard adds a dynamic touch to the film, making it feel more like a unique tour through a strangely captivating horror landscape than just a compilation of graphic footage.

The film's distinctive style places it in its own corner in the world of horror and reality cinema. It critically combines elements of shock, horror, and cynical humor, dismantling traditional boundaries of exploitation films. Faces of Gore is perceived as a niche film within the horror genre that makes no apologies for its style or content.

Despite the movie’s extreme visuals, it's important to note that Faces of Gore is not simply about shock value. The film presents a raw exploration of death and the dreadful aspects of reality that are normally hidden away. It expresses the harshness of life and the tragedy of untimely death, wrapping it in an uncensored package that is as insightful as it is horrifying. That being said, the film is not suitable for sensitive viewers as it doesn’t shy away from displaying genuine human suffering and the cruelty of the world.

Tjersland has made sure to imprint his unique style all over the film. For those who can handle the graphic brutality, he provides a strange form of entertainment through his disturbingly humorous narrative. His approach turns Faces of Gore into more than just a shock documentary by adding layers of entertainment elements, making it a twisted journey rather than a mere showcase of dreadful realities.

In summary, Faces of Gore is a unique blend of horror, reality, and dark humor. The film takes viewers on a shocking journey into life's gruesome realities, narrated by Tjersland's dark humor and characterized by its remarkable blend of raw footage and cynical commentary. It is an unequivocal representation of the Reality Horror genre, a challenging viewing experience that will shock, provoke, entertain, and perhaps make viewers consider the dark corners of reality that are usually taken for granted. For fans of cult films and shock-documentaries, this is a must-watch, remembering, however, that it requires a strong stomach and an open mind to appreciate.