Disappear Completely

Description

Disappear Completely — Tabloid photographer Santiago specializes in the “crime pages” — shooting sensational photos of corpses for the yellow press. Yet, he hasn’t given up hope of becoming a respected photographer and exhibiting his work in galleries.

After another trespass at a crime scene in pursuit of a gruesome shot, something strange begins to happen to Santiago: first, he loses his sense of smell, then his taste. Lab tests and checkups show he is perfectly healthy. But he continues to lose his senses. Next up are touch, hearing, and sight. Soon, he might disappear completely.

The film uses a 3:2 aspect ratio (resembling newspaper photography). For the viewer, this means the familiar black bars won’t be at the top and bottom, but on the sides. Much like in Zack Snyder’s Director’s Cut of Justice League.

MY OPINION
The film didn’t quite land for me. Yes, it’s beautifully shot, the sound design is great, and it definitely stands out. But personally? I felt it lacked enough gore and gloom. Take that how you will, haha 😄. After watching so many polished, sterile horror movies lately, I’m craving something more visceral. But at the same time, I don’t want to restrict myself solely to extreme horror or French Extremity — though they usually do this best.

Speaking of gloomy, depressing, but gore-free films, I really loved the recent Spanish film The Wailing (El llanto). I’m still blown away by it. I’ve mentioned on another page that this film is not just slow-paced; it also takes a while to sink in (or maybe that’s just me) — meaning, I only realized how great it was some time later.
Yes, these films are totally different and have nothing in common. The Wailing is even slower and much more of an arthouse-horror film. But damn, it’s good.

None of the above means I’m talking you out of watching Disappear Completely.