Faces of Death II

Faces of Death II, directed by John Alan Schwartz and released in 1981, is a semi-documentary style horror film that captured the attention of thrill-seekers and horror fans across the globe. The film delves into the recesses of the macabre and gruesome, exploring the many facets of death - a taboo subject that continues to intrigue, terrify, and fascinate human beings.

Faces of Death II puts forth the raw, relentless details of mortality, and the very nature of death that permeates our existence. Starring Michael Carr, James Brady, and Mickey Crowe with Carr resuming his role as the ghastly Dr. Francis B. Gross who seeks to delve into the realm of death, the movie extends the boundaries set by the original installment of Faces of Death (1978).

This film, similar to its predecessor, presents to its audience, a series of scenes that showcase the various ways that death can occur, all presented in a documentary-style narrative. It decenters the conventional coherency demanded by mainstream filmmaking and instead brings together segments that vary drastically in their subject matter, all bound together by the common theme of death. This unique collective ranges from recorded accident footage to dramatized death scenes, from explorations of rituals and customs to staged sequences of violence or horror.

John Alan Schwartz returns as the director who isn't afraid to delve into society's fascination with death, showcasing it from a multitude of perspectives, some disturbing, and others just brutally thought-provoking. Maintaining integrity to the charm - or terror, depending on personal reception - of the original installment, Faces of Death II does not shy away from infusing narrative elements with authentic footage, creating a hair-raising amalgamation of fiction and reality that often left viewers in the 80s questioning the authenticity of the presented material.

Michael Carr is once again captivating as Dr. Gross, reprising his role with such intensity and conviction that the title 'Faces of Death' seems uncannily apt. Coming off an excellent performance in Faces of Death, Carr's on-screen energy lifts the entire film and sets a chilling ambiance that's crucial for drawing in the viewers.

One of the film's core strengths is the manner in which it comfortably sits in a space that blurs the lines between the real and the absurd, between entertainment, fascination, and the macabre. The documentary footage, which varies from real-life accidents to war scenes, maintains a constant undertone of unease throughout the film. This is bolstered by the acted death scenes, which, despite being scripted, possess a equally disturbing and strangely captivating aura.

Despite this, Faces of Death II is not devoid of controversy. Its collection of death scenes, both real and staged, have raised eyebrows and incited criticism. Its content is not for the faint-hearted or those easily disturbed. The viewing experience it offers is relatively unique and remains strictly niche.

It's worth mentioning that the film’s music, composed by Gene Kauer and Lamont Johnson, significantly contributes to the overall ambiance of unease and suspense. Tension is creatively built and maintained through the strategic implementation of these ominous score pieces.

Faces of Death II, is a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience that pokes and prods at our deepest fears. Viewers with a penchant for the morbid and a curiosity for the frightening and abhorrent facets of existence find the film a bizarre yet gripping exploration of the subject matter. It takes its audience on an unconventional film journey through the dark reality of mortality, making it a horror movie experience unlike any other. It's a cocktail of horror, reality, and shock factor, mixed and served for those who dare to take a sip.

From its unique perspective on death to its unapologetic portrayal of life's darkest moments, Faces of Death II remains a cornerstone in horror filmmaking that forever changed the way audiences experience this genre. Although primarily a horror flick, the film thickly veils a contemplation of the ephemeral quality of life, a reminder of our fragile existence in this vast universe. It’s a film that seeks to dissect our fear of the ultimate unknown and in doing so, takes us to the grim perimeter of life's finitude.