‘Sweeney Todd’ is for sissies; ‘Repo!’ rocks, bleeds everywhere

November 17, 2008 by Jordan Healy 

New rock opera directed by former ‘Saw’ director

“Repo! The Genetic Opera” has everything a musical should have – a sexy cast, memorable songs and organ repossession. 

The film takes place in the latter half of the 21st century, in a world where a biotech corporation named GeneCo reigns supreme. Taking advantage of an epidemic of organ failures that spread planet-wide, the company provides organ transplants for those who need them, even offering financing options. However, if the purchaser falls behind on their payments, the organs are subject to repossession and are ripped from the customer’s body by assassins referred to as “repo men.” This is merely the stage set for the action of the film, the actual story is even better.

The founder and and president of GeneCo, Rotti Largo, is dying of a terminal disease and must decide who will run the corporation in his stead. His three children are each deplorable in their own way – Luigi has a horrible temper, Amber is addicted to surgery and Pavi has an affinity for wearing other people’s faces. In light of these poor choices, Rotti decides that to leave his company to Shilo, the daughter of a woman who left him at the altar and whom he eventually murdered. The only person who stands in the way is Shilo’s father, Nathan, who tries to protect his daughter from the cruel outside world and also happens to be a repo man for GeneCo by night. 

The story is brought to life with the touch of director Darren Lynn Bousman, who is best known for directing the first three sequels to “Saw.” As expected, Bousman does employ an ample amount of gore in the film, but not enough to turn away most potential audience members. 

The film bears little to no resemblance to any of the work Bousman has done in the past. In fact, if Baz Luhrmann (“Moulin Rouge”) had a touch for the macabre, this is the film he would probably direct.

Equally as impressive as the directing is the extremely talented cast. 

Sarah Brightman, renowned stage actress and solo singer, surprisingly makes her first film appearance here, and she does so with a smash. Brightman plays the role of Blind Mag, a pop-opera singer with bionic eyes who acts as the mascot for GeneCo. Brightman’s vocals are simply beautiful, and easily the highlight of the soundtrack. 

Anthony Head and Alexa Vega both shine, and convincingly play out a father/daughter relationship. Head is able to switch effectively between the roles of parent and assassin, even in his singing voice. The distinction he makes between the two facets of his character’s life is quite impressive. 

Twenty-year-old Vega is equally as impressive, but for different reasons. She convincingly portrays teenage angst on screen with a dose of, necessary but often neglected, innocence. 

Ironically, Paris Hilton was a wise casting choice for this film, and she almost literally plays herself in the role of Amber Sweet. Hilton sizzles as she prances across the screen adorned in dominatrix attire and jet black hair. Who ever knew that the mousy Hilton would make such a hot goth?

“Repo! The Genetic Opera” is easily the most unique movie of the year. While there will undoubtedly be comparisons to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Sweeney Todd,” those are merely based on cosmetics and do not share the substance of this film. This film certainly is an experience and should be enjoyed to the fullest. 

The film is currently playing at The Palms’ Brendan Theatres in a limited engagement, and the DVD will be released Jan. 22.