Senseless (2008)

Based on Stona Fitch's novel, this is the story of a wealthy US businessman (Behr) whose brutal kidnapping and torture are streamed online as part of an ultra-violent reality TV show.

Director:

Simon Hynd

Writers:

Stona Fitch (novel), Simon Hynd

Stars:

Jason Behr, Emma Catherwood, Joe Ferrara

Cast

Credited cast:
Jason Behr	...	Eliott Gast
Emma Catherwood	...	Nim
Joe Ferrara	...	Blackbeard
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jacques Kerr	...	Venture Capitalist
Helen Mallon	...	Waitress
Toby Marlow	...	Young Eliott
Sean O'Kane	...	Mr. Gast

Storyline

Based on Stona Fitch's novel, this is the story of a wealthy US businessman (Behr) whose brutal kidnapping and torture are streamed online as part of an ultra-violent reality TV show.

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Plot Keywords:

one word title | internet | terrorist | hostage | tortured prisoners | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong disturbing sequences of torture, violence and language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

2008 (UK)

Also Known As:

Senseless - Der Sinne beraubt

Filming Locations:

Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Matador Pictures, Plum Films, Circle of Confusion

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

In the flashback where the main character, as a youth, stole twenty dollars from the blind boy, a "new" twenty dollar bill (with the large face of Jackson) was used. That bill was introduced in 1998 and thus most likely would have not been in existence at the time of the supposed flashback. The movie was released and presumably set in 2008, and the protagonist was in his early 30's.

User Reviews

Provocative, stimulating thriller!

A shocking and thought provoking film, Senseless is a low budget thriller from the talented, Bafta award winning, Scottish director Simon Hynd and starring American TV star Jason Behr.

A moral maze, the film tells the story of Elliot Gaast, an American executive of dubious ethical standards who is captured by a mysterious group and tortured live on the internet with the systematic removal of his 5 senses.

A clever, subtle script works both as a straightforward and gruesome body horror film and a driven, satirical stab at American globalisation and consumer culture.

Reality TV is also a target, with the sporadic use of Big Brother-esquire CCTV footage to underpin the implication that maybe these events aren't so far removed from our current reality or future. At a time when middle eastern terrorists are using video footage to show bombings and be-headings, the film seems remarkably current and prescient.

Never an easy watch, the torture scenes themselves are disturbing and unpleasant but help to reinforce the mood, tone and structure of the piece. You will almost certainly struggle to look at a cheese grater in the same way again. Jason Bher, who belies his status as a former teenage TV sex symbol throughout, is particularly effective in these scenes and gives his character a humanity and empathy that the audience can cling to in the more grizzly moments.

A serious and interesting film, Senseless demands attention and rewards it with a challenging and contemplative look at our troubled society.

**A point of warning to anyone watching the German DVD version of this film - it is a total mess, cut to shreds by the distribution company to avoid a costly censorship battle. My advice is to skip this version entirely as it makes no sense.**