ANGST (director/writer: Gerald Kargl; screenwriter: Zbigniew Rybczynski; cinematographer: Zbigniew Rybczynski; editor: Zbigniew Rybczynski; music: Klaus Schulze; cast: Erwin Leder (Psychopath), Robert Hunger-Bühler (off screen voice), Silvia Rabenreither (daughter), Karin Springer (daughter’s voice), Edith Rosset (Mother), Rudolf Götz (mentally ill son); Runtime: 82; MPAA Rating: NR; producer: Gerald Kargl; Cult Epics; 1983-Austria-in German with English subtitles)
“It has Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) vibes.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

The first and only time as a director-writer for Gerald Kargl. He shoots an uncomfortable serial killer pic in Austria. It has Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) vibes. The rarely seen flick has gathered over the years a cult following. Some even consider it a masterpiece in the slasher genre because of its originality in style. It’s based on the true story of Austrian mass killerWerner Kniesek, as it artfully blends together fact and fiction. Erwin Leder, playing the psychopath killer, gives an intensely moving performance.The Polish rock video creatorZbigniew Rybczynski. co-writes the screenplay with the director and provides the marvelously chilling cinematography.

A young nameless killer of his mother and later randomly killing an older woman, is released from prison after a 10 year incarceration. He then violently breaks into a remote suburban home and tortures and kills the occupants (Silvia Rabenreither, Edith Rosset and Rudolf Götz) when they return home. The sociopath offers a crackling running commentary throughout on his life of crime, and offers his sickening comments after a number of violent acts.

Klaus Schulze of Tangerine Dreams provides a menacing score. The beautifully crafted film artfully generates terror and revulsion, as we get into the foul deeds and dark visions of such a repulsive sicko.

REVIEWED ON 10/21/2015 GRADE: A-

Dennis Schwartz: “Ozus’ World Movie Reviews”

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