36 Pasos
(36 Steps English Title) pulls off an
incredible mixture of effects, story and message with almost no money
at all.
Written by The
Horror Czar (BHM Editor Don
Sumner) November 26, 2007
Release:
2006 Written, Directed and Edited by: Adrián
García Bogliano Also Written by: Ramiro García Bogliano
Starring:
Noelia Balbo as Pilar Ines Sbarra as Lucia Ariana Marchioni as Emilia Melisa Fernandez as Marilu Priscila Rauto as Priscila Andrea Duarte as Violeta
Somewhere between an art-house imagery display, a
blood-soaked Troma flick, a powerful message film and a 70s
exploitation extravaganza lies 36 Pasos. This
Argentinean micro-budget horror adventure, reportedly created for a
mere five thousand dollars, is an interesting ride to be sure.
The film starts by introducing us to a group of women preparing for a
birthday party. The guest of honor will be arriving soon and there is
much to do.
As the
story unfolds we learn that the house full of women is not as it
appears – they are all held there against their will. If they
pass beyond the perimeter of the property a 300 pound man appears out
of nowhere and kills them with a sledge hammer…quite
dramatically I might add. The stories behind the lives and capture of
each of the inhabitants are shared and it is made clear that each was
chosen specifically for incarceration for an unknown reason.
There are
a few simple rules that must be followed if the hammer is to be
avoided; Silence, Obedience, Tolerance, Yielding and Having
Fun….or at least appear to be having fun. What happens when
the unknown captors begin a chain of events to turn each of the women
against each other when nerves are already frazzled and tensions high?
A gory kill fest involving knives, poison, guns, a chainsaw and a nail
gun, that’s what.
There are
a couple of primary themes running through 36 Pasos,
the title coming from the number of steps from the front door of the
house to a visitor’s automobile representing freedom. Agatha
Christie’s novel And Then There Were None
(title changed from the non-PC Ten Little Indians, made after the first change of the original even less PC title Ten
Little Niggers) provides many elements of the plot in terms
of someone taking revenge for past transgressions. The second primary
theme is a treatment of the traditional role of women.
Women are
to smile, wear bikinis all the time, plan parties, maintain order and
follow directions – all while remaining compliant,
non-complaining and silent. Director Adrián
García Bogliano is making the statement that the women in 36
Pasos represent every woman living with the demands of a
patriarchic society. Follow the rules or you will get your head crushed
in by a sledge hammer. Eventually something has got to snap.
36 Pasos is a wonderful sub-titled journey into
horror, gore and social commentary. Filled with gallons of blood,
action and an intricate plot this Argentinean entry to the world of
horror is worth a watch – and if the production cost was
truly $5,000 as reported this work borders on genius. Questions
or comments about 36 Pasos? Contact us!
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