Kevin Smith has proven to have staying power in the world of film-making whether his films reach large audiences or not. However, one of his least-discussed films came about during a period of his career most movie-goers would consider a “slump,” but Tusk itself would suggest that it certainly wasn’t a creative slump. Holding just a 46% Critics Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes – and an even worse 36% audience score – Tusk is one of Smith’s lower-rated outings.
Regardless, Tusk offers a genuinely fascinating look into the work of a primarily comic director entering an entirely new genre, and it should be viewed as a success as far as creativity goes. While there are a few very jarring elements included in the film, it still holds up far better a decade after its release than it did for audiences in 2014. Becoming something of a cult favorite ten years later, Tusk remains an underappreciated film by a director who appreciates the nuances of film far more than a corner of the general audience gives him credit.
This is one of those movies where I like to think in opened minded enough to see, but the premise seems so disturbing I just seriously doubt I ever will. Filed it under “The Human Centipede” or anything like that. No thanks.
It’s not as cruel as Human Centipede and the sheer outlandish nature of the horror takes a bit of the sting away, but it isn’t for everyone.