Cheap looking, bored female extras armed with toy guns are guarding some decaying ruins on a small island (supposedly a women's prison). Hot female inmates spend the time talking crap, smoking and masturbating in their cells, represented by painted canvas-and-plasterboard sets.
BARBED WIRE DOLLS is yet another variation on Franco's own 99 WOMEN, shot for a price of a takeaway meal.
In JF films I pay the most attention to the camerawork. Unlike the simple, repetitive plots and stories of the actual films, camerawork speaks volumes about the creator of this trash universe. There's someone behind the camera who has a child's immence curiosity in exploring the space. Zooming in and out of background. Shifting focus seemingly for the sake of it. Panning away from the supposed main action to capture something accidental. This raw, unrehearsed quality of 'a film in the making' is both a blessing and a curse of JF cinema.
Anyone who has ever tried making a film all by himself, without support or experience, won't be able to write JF films off as worthless. They are attempts at cinema. Admirable attempts, even when resulting films are boring (BARBED WIRE DOLLS can be very slow). But the film is worth a look. Witness that jaw-dropping 'simulated slow-motion' flashback, see young and pretty Lina Romay, enjoy yet another strong performance from the ever-reliable Paul Muller.
BARBED WIRE DOLLS is yet another variation on Franco's own 99 WOMEN, shot for a price of a takeaway meal.
In JF films I pay the most attention to the camerawork. Unlike the simple, repetitive plots and stories of the actual films, camerawork speaks volumes about the creator of this trash universe. There's someone behind the camera who has a child's immence curiosity in exploring the space. Zooming in and out of background. Shifting focus seemingly for the sake of it. Panning away from the supposed main action to capture something accidental. This raw, unrehearsed quality of 'a film in the making' is both a blessing and a curse of JF cinema.
Anyone who has ever tried making a film all by himself, without support or experience, won't be able to write JF films off as worthless. They are attempts at cinema. Admirable attempts, even when resulting films are boring (BARBED WIRE DOLLS can be very slow). But the film is worth a look. Witness that jaw-dropping 'simulated slow-motion' flashback, see young and pretty Lina Romay, enjoy yet another strong performance from the ever-reliable Paul Muller.
this one is no fun whatsoever- unlike 99 women, which is great.
ReplyDelete"Cheap looking, bored female extras armed with toy guns are guarding some decaying ruins on a small island (supposedly a women's prison). Hot female inmates spend the time talking crap, smoking and masturbating in their cells, represented by painted canvas-and-plasterboard sets.
ReplyDeleteBARBED WIRE DOLLS is yet another variation on Franco's own 99 WOMEN, shot for a price of a takeaway meal."
This is a beautiful description, Alex. If I ever review this film, then I am going to quote this passage from you. It sums up my kind of cinematic people and the cinema I love.
We share many of the same thoughts about Franco. You probably have a stronger artistic sensibility than I do, so you can appreciate Franco's artistic craftmanship. I think Franco is so unique, because he is so personal and experimental with his films. He will try anything, and he is very much in tune with what or who he finds erotic and what interests him.
Incidentally, I have an original theatrical poster of this one, signed by Franco. Have a great weekend, Alex, and I always enjoy reading your work.
Wow, thanks you very much, Nigel and Hans!
ReplyDelete@ Nigel - I am surprised you even saw this one! I suppose it's because of your image as the main IFR man that I presume that you mainly watch italo stuff))
@Hans: Wow, I would love to see the vintage poster for Barbed Wire Dolls, I am not happy with the artwork that Erwin Dietrich used for his otherwise ecellent Franco DVD releases. Did you get the poster off EBay or did you get to meet Jess and get him to sign the piece for you?
I got the poster over a decade ago off of eBay. This was a good time to find Franco memorabilia as his fan base was even smaller. The Franco signature wasn't even mentioned in the listing! I was surprised when I got it.
ReplyDeleteA pleasant surprise!
ReplyDeleteI saw Barbed Wire Dolls long before discovering 99 Women. Thought it boring, but the crazy , sloppy style grew on me, and I just love those remastered presentations from Dietrich.