About half way through viewing this film I had to temper my expectations when it was apparent that the plot was not heading in the direction I had hoped it was, that is, a Thriller or a Horror film, but was going to stay a psychological study of a man becoming unhinged from working in a strange and uncomfortable situation. I can understand how a lot of the frustration I've heard mentioned with this film stems from these dashed expectations, and that's because it sort of plays around with and teases the audience by disingenuously making the genre of the film within the film that the main character (a reserved, mild-mannered, and tightly-wound sound editor played by Toby Jones) is working on a '70s-ish Italian Nunsploitation/Torture/Black Magic Horror film. If it wasn't for that, "horror" as a descriptive genre would never even be applied to this film.
And I have to admit that while casting Toby Jones in the lead role was a bold and risky choice for the lead character and gets my respect, ultimately I can't say he held my interest (or garnered my empathy) all the way to the conclusion. I think the guy is a fine character actor from other films I've noticed him appearing in, but as the protagonist for a feature-length story I found him wanting.
Still in all, if you enjoy watching non-English language Horror films from the 60s and 70s, you'll be entertained from the depiction of a post-production session for one of them that the film stages. And also, if you like films that fck with your head as to what is "real" and what's only in the mind of the character(s), you'll find plenty to enjoy here. Berberian Sound Studio is not an instant classic, but it's definitely worth a look for film fans who like fictional films about the filmmaking process.
And I have to admit that while casting Toby Jones in the lead role was a bold and risky choice for the lead character and gets my respect, ultimately I can't say he held my interest (or garnered my empathy) all the way to the conclusion. I think the guy is a fine character actor from other films I've noticed him appearing in, but as the protagonist for a feature-length story I found him wanting.
Still in all, if you enjoy watching non-English language Horror films from the 60s and 70s, you'll be entertained from the depiction of a post-production session for one of them that the film stages. And also, if you like films that fck with your head as to what is "real" and what's only in the mind of the character(s), you'll find plenty to enjoy here. Berberian Sound Studio is not an instant classic, but it's definitely worth a look for film fans who like fictional films about the filmmaking process.