Sheitan
(Tartan/DTS)
Picture:
C+ Sound: B- Extras: C- Film: C+
Though
not a part of the current cycle of torture films not so cleverly disguised as
Horror product, Kim Chapiron’s Sheitan
(2006) is an attempt to do a psychotic Satanic thriller that is ultimately more
laughable than effective, is loaded with missed opportunities and is no match
whatsoever for its U.S. counterparts; particularly from the 1960s and 1970s.
A bunch
of teens at a bar go to a mysterious house with two sexy young gals (will these
kids ever learn?) headed by a strange man (Vincent Cassel playing to type) who
is up to no good, has sick obsessions and loves Satan. Chapiron co-wrote the screenplay with his
father and Cassel co-produced the project, which is ultimately a vanity project
that actually backfires. Bizarre aspects
of animals, meat and human flesh are suggested but also go nowhere. All in all, it is not even an interesting
failure, but Cassel has talent and will hopefully do better next time.
The
anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image is not always color consistent, lacks
detail and has Video Black issues. The
Dolby and DTS French 5.1 mixes are odd, with a very rough start that has
breakup and inconsistent surrounds and fidelity throughout. Extras include the original trailer and a
making of featurette, but that is all.
- Nicholas Sheffo
