"Zydrate comes in a little glass bile..."

Alexa Vega proves shes not a 'Spy Kid' anymore in Repo! The Genetic Opera

I thought I'd blog about a movie that hasn't been talked about as much as it should have been. Repo! The Genetic Opera. Repo was a small little film that had hardly anything going for it in the beginning. The director of Saw II-V, Darren Lynn Bousman wanted to do this movie for some time. It took him several years to finally get the green light for Repo. Highly inspired by 70's rock opera musicals and old fashioned horror, he decded to combine the two, making it a Rocky Horror Picture Show on steroids.

"Zydrate comes in a little glass bile!" Terrance Zdunich as the Graverobber

20 years before this movie took place the world suffered a major catastrophe. Widespread organ failure infected the globe. Millions die, but out of the terror comes a savior, GeneCo. GeneCo has mastered a way to create artificial organs that function just like real ones. At first people rejoyced. The organ failure epidimic ended and Rotti Largo, the owner of GeneCo, became the most powerful man in the world. Unfortunately, the joy GeneCo brought was soon overturned by the horror they inflicted upon those who have their organs. If someone is unable to pay, GeneCo will send a Repo Man to 'collect' their property. Now it's the year 2057, we follow a widowed doctor with an ill daughter, Shiloh. Soon Shiloh finds out their are dangerous secrets hidden within her family. She sets out on a Wizard of Oz-ish journey to find the truth.

Oooh nooo! The Repo Man got em!

First off, let me say that I fell in-love with this movie! As a graphic designer, I can't help but notice the color scheme and art within the movie. The whole movie is a gothic fantasy story book come to life. The designers of the movie have even invented their own style for the posters that plaster the walls throughout the movie. They're a cross between Russian Propaganda design and Andy Warhol-ish pop art. They even use their very own custom type face throughout the movie.

Example of the kick-ass graphic design posted throughout the movie.

The world that this movie creates is so complex. In this world people are obsessed with their looks, and have plastic surgery often to keep up to date with fashion. They have a pain killer called Zydrate that is highly addictive. People who are unable to afford the legitimate plastic surgery from licenced professionals turn to the streets. Zydrate is also a hot comodaty. People are addicted to this stuff and will do anything to get their hands on it.

"I can't feel nothing at all!"

The characters are so well written and they are all exceptionally acted. I have to give a shout out to Paris Hilton. When I first heard she was in it I was skeptical, even the director refused to see her for the role, but Paris won it. Her character has become a victim of the times, she plays a plastic surgery obsessed rich girl who is addicted to Zydrate, a HUGE stretch for Miss Hilton.

Paris Hilton looks good in hooker boots...and a push-up bra

My favorite actress in the movie was Sarah Britghtman. This was her film debute and she stole every scene she was in. Terrance Zdunich does an excellent job as the Graverobber.It was actually Zdunich who did art for the entire movie. Alexa Vega(Spy Kids girl) proves that she can seperate herself from the kiddy pictures and play a more serious role. The actual Repo Man is played by Anthony Stewart Head(of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame.), who proves he can belt out a toon with the best of them.

Sarah Brightman has her some creepa eyes!

This is a definite must see movie, especially for those who love both the musical and horror genre. Repo has awesome music, my favs are "Chase the Morning" and "Zydrate Anatomy." The movie does have gross stuff in it too. There is a lot of blood. This film is a hop, skip and a jump away from a modern Shakespeare tragedy. By the end of the movie, it's a literal blood bath with bodies piled up.

"And Amber Sweet is addicted to the knife!"

All around wonderful entertainment which will be enjoyed at midnight screenings for years to come! I predict that it will be just as big as Rocky Horror Picture Show... well maybe not that big, but it already has a major cult following and it will continue to grow. Just remember kids, don't do Zydrate.

Alexa Vega in her goth outfit with some totally sweet poster art in the background.