Repulsion

Roman Polanski's REPULSION, starring Catherine Deneuve, polarized the then still young Berlinale like no other film had ever done before. In Polanski's legendary psychological horror film, Catherine Deneuve plays Carol, a young, shy manicurist. When her sister leaves her alone in the apartment for a vacation, Carol's already fragile psyche begins to crumble and her fear of men manifests itself in terrifying hallucinations. REPULSION, directed by Roman Polanski in 1965, was his first English-language film and established his international reputation. With Catherine Deneuve in the lead role, the film unfolds a hypnotic atmosphere that is further enhanced by the contrasting black-and-white photography. The meticulous staging demonstrates Polanski's flair for space and suspense: everyday rooms are transformed into threatening settings, and the quiet creaking or distant voices become triggers for existential panic. REPULSION celebrated its world premiere at the 1965 Cannes International Film Festival, where it was first presented to a wide audience. At the Berlinale that same year, the film won the Silver Bear – Special Jury Prize and the FIPRESCI Critics' Prize. "The most talked-about film was Roman Polanski's REPULSION, which was accompanied by a sensational advertising campaign by the distributor and was thus inevitably on everyone's lips. REPULSION polarized: some were deeply impressed, others horrified and repulsed. Rarely has a film been received so controversially." (Berlinale Archive) It was also nominated for a BAFTA Award in the Best Black and White Photography category.