Film rating: 4.5/5
Walkouts: 2/5
Pretentious clapping at credits: 3/5
BPM sighting: No

Three generations of a family pursue their own peculiar desires in György Pálfi’s Taxidermia, a film that revels in the crude physicality of human condition.

Following a Hungarian family line down three generations, the story starts with Vendel, a hair-lipped orderly working in an isolated outpost, who deals with his loneliness and the constant browbeating from his superior by indulging in voyeurism. Following a grotesque coupling between Vendel and his superior’s wife, a son named Kálmán is born, who grows up to be an Olympic speed-eater. While competing in a Bulgarian eating championship, he becomes enamoured of Gizi, a hefty competitor. Their union produces the third generation in the form of Lajos. As an adult, Lajos is a gaunt taxidermist who spends his spare time raising mutant felines and caring for his morbidly obese father.

Recalling elements of John Waters’ debauchery, David Cronenberg’s physi-ological obsession and Monty Python’s absurdity, Taxidermia is a truly unforgettable film – but not one for the queasy!

What a way to kick off MIFF ‘06! This absurdist romp through three generations of losers in rural Soviet Union had The Editor laughing, groaning, wincing and staring agape in equal measure. Sublime close up shots of the body (external and internal) along with subtle use of special effects, excellent acting and a stunning script made this film a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From a directing point of view it is a real study in mass spewing on cue.

Although there were a good few walkouts this film is worth sitting through if your stomach can hack it. Those who shut their eyes during medical procedures in House (McBec) should stay home.