I was drawn in by the chief cast, wholly unaware of the nature and reputation of the film. Well before any of the most dubious elements manifest, 'Trauma' (also known as 'House on Straw Hill,' also known as 'Exposé') is still filled with flashes of jarring imagery and violence, and vivid, jolting, discordant music from composer Steve Gray. These highlight the strong, forceful personality and questionable disposition of protagonist Paul - traits echoed in his hired typist, Linda. Both stars, Udo Kier and Linda Hayden, carry considerable nuance and range in their swell skill set, and a great intensity, especially as the characters clash in a number of ways. To learn that neither actor bears any fond remembrance for the picture puts a different face on the viewing experience, though at least for my part I still think both very ably demonstrate the acting chops we recognize in them from other roles.
Of course, then one must factor in those aspects of the feature that absolutely paint it as a particularly severe exploitation flick. There's very strong, generally graphic violence, and this is superseded by even more prominent and explicit sexual content including assault, voyeurism, and otherwise abuse, to say nothing of pervasive nudity (likely between one-third and one-half of the runtime, it seems). With that said, too, the plot isn't very complex, and sometimes the screenplay does feel a little light. Yet altogether the writing is whole, cohesive, and broadly fine. I think James Kenelm Clarke's direction is just as suitable, and detailed, as his penmanship, with scenes arranged well - especially those in which the cast can play off of each character's fierce energy, and the tension between them.
Truthfully, overall I like the narrative and I think the movie is just fine - but it's also unquestionably, excessively seedy. Whatever the circumstances of Kier and Hayden's participation, I can't blame them for not looking back on 'Trauma' with any high regard. It's a lot to take in, and frankly teeters on the edge of being outright problematic for its content. I can't say I'd imagine readily recommending this to anyone, just because the extremity of the sex and violence marks it as a movie for an assuredly select audience. Still, for however shady and controversial this is, I think it's executed well, and anchored with solid performances. 'Trauma' is a horror-thriller with more emphasis on the latter than the former, regrettably somewhat weighed down by an inordinate amount of exploitative, graphic content - but if you can look past the most iffy facets, it's an alright watch if you come across it.
Of course, then one must factor in those aspects of the feature that absolutely paint it as a particularly severe exploitation flick. There's very strong, generally graphic violence, and this is superseded by even more prominent and explicit sexual content including assault, voyeurism, and otherwise abuse, to say nothing of pervasive nudity (likely between one-third and one-half of the runtime, it seems). With that said, too, the plot isn't very complex, and sometimes the screenplay does feel a little light. Yet altogether the writing is whole, cohesive, and broadly fine. I think James Kenelm Clarke's direction is just as suitable, and detailed, as his penmanship, with scenes arranged well - especially those in which the cast can play off of each character's fierce energy, and the tension between them.
Truthfully, overall I like the narrative and I think the movie is just fine - but it's also unquestionably, excessively seedy. Whatever the circumstances of Kier and Hayden's participation, I can't blame them for not looking back on 'Trauma' with any high regard. It's a lot to take in, and frankly teeters on the edge of being outright problematic for its content. I can't say I'd imagine readily recommending this to anyone, just because the extremity of the sex and violence marks it as a movie for an assuredly select audience. Still, for however shady and controversial this is, I think it's executed well, and anchored with solid performances. 'Trauma' is a horror-thriller with more emphasis on the latter than the former, regrettably somewhat weighed down by an inordinate amount of exploitative, graphic content - but if you can look past the most iffy facets, it's an alright watch if you come across it.