Unsettling is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of the works of German director Jörg Buttgereit. Nekromantik and its sequel are undeniable works of shock cinema. His film that he made in between is far more interested in sorrow over sensationalism.
The Death King is framed by the seven days of the week in which seven suicides are committed. Each one allow Buttgereit to try various arthouse techniques to explore different aspects of suicide. Curiously though, the film manages to offer more about the value of life.
The Death King doesn't really have a plot overall but each individual story has its own logic and plot. These stories are interspersed with an often static shot of a male corpse decomposing. Each story has strengths and weaknesses. Buttgereit's approach can be heavy handed and a bit stylish for its own sake, something akin to a student film rather than a second feature. However other moments hit hard and show off the director's daring nature to look into the disturbed. One such moment involves a women wearing a Super 8 camera having a violent outbreak.
If Nekromantik is too shocking for some, The Death King may prove more palatable. I found it to be a striking work. The film braves territory that isn't often seen in films. At times, the director adds to much technique but overall The Death King is a film that gets under the skin while providing an argument for living.
The Cult Epics release is stunning, including a fascinating documentary about the making of all three films called Corpse Fucking Art. The release also includes an insightful commentary by Buttgereit and co-writer Franz Rodenkirchen. They offer a wealth of information on how they pulled off many of the low-budget but highly effective special effects.
4/5
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