The Devil’s Carnival (2012) Review
Darren Lynn Bousman is best known for directing Saw 2 and Repo! The Genetic Opera, the former which I remember seeing. Watching this film, however, reminds me nothing of The Saw movies past maybe the morbid creativity behind the horror. The bigger difference here is that Mr. Bousman aims for a style that teeters into Tim Burton trying to be Rob Zombie, despite aiming for violence that would only qualify for a PG-13 rating. As a musical, however, you can tell Mr. Bousman had come a long way since Repo! and showcases a bombastic atmosphere that fits the eeriness of the premise. For the most part it feels like the kind of idea that would’ve scared him as a kid yet he chose to harness either way. I recommend it for mostly musical fans, but the subtle mixture of dark fantasy and psychological horror, crossed with the unforgettable costume design and visuals, are nevertheless impressive.