My Family is More Fucked Up than Yours; The Den of Vipers

By: Greg

When I first published this list I spent more time complaining that about what wasn’t on this list (or at least availible on MUBI, nee The Aueturs) than explaining what is on this list. Its not strictly a list of incest movies — although they are certainly represented here. Besides, Allison has already published an excellent one. (See Lemon Candy: http://www.theauteurs.com/lists/6780)

The list is really about explosive families. That’s why I put Fists in the Pocket first — the emotional pyrotechnics in this film are second to none. And all of the films on my list seethe in emotional violence. (Even if The Royal Teenbaums is strangely sweet in its own way.)

Hotel New Hampshire (1984) anyone? Anyone? I didn’t think so. That’s a movie that’s a bit too silly for me. There are certain other movies that would make sense for the list that I consciously left off. For example, “Death of a Salesman” examines a family falling apart at the seams. I decided not to include it because the real focus is Willy Loman; that, and maybe its a little obvious. On the other hand, “Ordinary People” is too subtle to fit in here.