Smallpox Tale

About This Movie

Smallpox Tale is a curious blend of discomfort and fascination. You have this adolescent, wrapped in bandages, and the visuals are just so strikingly surreal with snails meandering across the screen. It’s unsettling, to say the least, especially with the jarring moments like nails being hammered into the patient’s skull. The atmosphere Terayama creates is thick with unease, almost tangible. The pacing feels deliberate, like you’re being drawn into this strange world where illness and distress are almost character-like themselves. The practical effects are raw and real, serving to enhance the film's overall unsettling tone. It’s definitely not for everyone, but that’s what makes it stand out in a collection.

Smallpox Tale is a rarity in the collector’s scene, often hard to find due to limited distribution and its obscure director. There aren’t many copies floating around, making it a fascinating piece, especially for those who appreciate avant-garde cinema. Its themes and visuals provoke thought, appealing to niche collectors who enjoy the more bizarre corners of film history.