Depressing Films: Why We Can Only Watch Them Once

Movies come in all shapes and sizes, from heartwarming dramas to thrilling action adventures. However, there are a select few films that leave such a deep psychological impact that watching them becomes an unforgettable, sometimes even unbearable, experience. These films are so deeply impactful that we find it difficult to watch them more than once. In this article, we explore notable films that fall into this category.

'A Serbian Film'

A Serbian Film, a 2010 exploitation horror film, is one such example. The film stars a semi-retired male porn star who is convinced to return to work in an "art film." The scenarios in the film escalate to shocking and disturbing levels, including actual rape necrophilia and murder. The film ends in a gruesome manner for most characters and the final film crew.

The director's motivations behind the film are complex and open to interpretation. Some sources describe A Serbian Film as the single most disturbing movie of all time, while others disagree. Personally, despite the film’s disturbing content, I have managed to watch it a second time. However, there are films that we can never watch again, like Salò or the 120 Days of Sodom, a 1975 film that depicts scenes of extreme torture and abuse, followed by photos of eating human feces. While I am very familiar with the plot of Salò or the 120 Days of Sodom, viewing the film itself would be unbearable.

Movies That Leave a Lasting Impact

There are several other movies that have such a profound impact that they cannot be rewatched. One such film is Leaving Las Vegas (1995), starring Nicholas Cage and Elizabeth Shue. This critically acclaimed film won Nicholas Cage an Academy Award for his performance. The film is a drama that is gut-wrenchingly sad, leading to its one-time-only status. The Psychological impact of the film is so strong that it leaves viewers emotionally drained, making it impossible to revisit the experience. The film explores the struggles of a man dealing with alcoholism and a failing marriage, bringing to light the harsh realities of addiction and the human condition.

Unique Cinematic Experiences

Another example is the anime Genocyber (1994), which deals with the formation of a new global government. Although the first OVA is praised for its impressive storyline and visual effects, it features graphic scenes of human dismemberment. Despite the film's technical merits, the evisceration scenes left me in a state of fear, even after my first viewing. These psychological triggers are a significant factor in determining whether a film can be watched more than once.

Conclusion

Depressing films, while powerful and impactful, can also be emotionally taxing. For many, these films can only be viewed once to fully appreciate the emotional and psychological toll they take. Whether it's the disturbing content of A Serbian Film, the raw intensity of Leaving Las Vegas, or the visceral depictions in Genocyber, these movies leave a lasting impact. It is these films that remind us of the depths of human emotion and the complexity of the cinematic experience.