MIFF NOTES: In the Basement (2015, Dir. Ulrich Seidl)

Considering I was expecting a documentary about the Josef Fritzl case, In the Basement turned out to be a complete cake walk. That's not something one usually lays at Ulrich Seidl's feet but it's well earned here.

Even without the flood of relief that washed over me as I realised that I hadn't actually voluntarily chosen to subject myself to an exploration of one of Austria's darkest crimes by one of Austria's darkest film makers, Seidl's quirk-filled documentary would have amused.

Though it is still rather discomforting at times, In the Basement is a surprisingly tender examination of the hidden corners of Austria. Yes, Seidl's subjects include Nazi sympathisers and sex slaves but, with his detached but disarming approach, he withholds judgement and presents even the most disquieting moments with generous affection.

Seidl's eye for a meticulously composed shot imbues the drabbest of settings with stirring beauty. This, coupled with openness of everyone involved, means In the Basement strikes a compelling balance between voyeurism and personal revelation, and somehow even cracks open a hitherto unpublicised part of the Austrian psyche - a stuffy, sometimes sad, sometimes endearing, (sometimes misguided) nostalgia.

And cock and ball torture.

★★★☆

Trailer:

In the Basement screened at the Melbourne International Film Festival 2015.