Hanger (2009)

Ryan Nicholson's films are some of the most polarizing experiences in motion picture that I've ever seen. For some, they're cinematic gold, taking us back in time to the sleazy 80s. For others, they're annoying, and disgusting. I fall into the former category. While I admit, the first time I saw Live Feed, it didn't leave that much of a lasting impression on me, but it's one of those movies that gets better with each time you watch. The first time I saw Gutterballs, though, I knew I was in for a slobbering love affair with this director. Hanger one-ups Gutterballs with the gross-out factor ten fold. It's vile, and disgusting, and I loved every dirty minute of it.

Hanger is a classic example of a rape/revenge film, only instead of forced sex, our victim, a pregnant prostitute named Rose played by Debbie Rochon, is held down by her cliche pimp, played by Ronald Patrick Thompson, while he forcefully removes her baby with a coat hanger. This sequence is played out in very graphic detail, so if this is something that will bother you, it's best to steer clear of this one. While this act of violence leaves Rose dead, surprisingly, her baby survives. Flash forward 20 or so odd years later, and we're introduced to Hanger, a cruelly named homeless man, with a horribly disfigured face, due to his abrupt delivery via coat hanger. An unnamed man, known only as "The John" due to his love for the ladies of the night, takes Hanger in, gives him a place to stay, a place to work, and tells him to practice killing, because they're about to go on a revenge spree. John was a regular customer for Hanger's mom, and he's fairly convinced that he is Hanger's father. When this toxic father/son duo reunite, the world of prostitution is about to be brought down to it's knees, and ass raped in the name of vengeance.

I can't stress this enough, "Hanger" is not for those with a weak stomach, there are scenes that made me gag a little, and I'm a hardened veteran of trash cinema. There is something in this movie to offend anyone, so just remember, I warned you. The film is not without it's flaws. There are some serious pacing issues, including a 10 minute long graphic female masturbation scene. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed every second of it, but it pretty much brings the film to a complete halt. Some of the performances are pretty ridiculous, but it's forgivable, as you can tell it was done on purpose. Putting in a particularly over the top cameo performance is Lloyd Kaufman, who plays a transvestite prostitute that gets brutalized from trying to come to Rose's aid. The star of the show here is Dan Ellis. Ellis plays the perfect "man with no name" character. I've even mentioned to Nicholson that he needs to direct a spaghetti style western, casting Ellis as the lead. After seeing him in "Hanger" you'll understand why this makes sense.

If you were a fan of "Gutterballs" you may, or may not enjoy "Hanger." I've seen both reactions, and it's hard to gauge. While the charm of "Gutterballs" is still present, it's buried under layers of grit, and grime. If you're obsessed with some of the nastier grindhouse classics, you're in for a dirty little treat. Dump your popcorn out in a bowl so that the empty bag can be used as a barf bag, some of you may need it.

7/10