This film was amazing!
I read an article about this film in some movie magazine quite a few years ago, and was very intrigued by the plot. I couldn't find it to rent anywhere, so I decided to buy it. I watched it several times, and enjoyed it very much! I haven't seen it since, because it's been loaned out to people constantly. They hear about it through word of mouth! It's great!
It's too bad that some people out there have such a negetive reaction to this film. I'm from a small, rural town in South Eastern Minnesota, and this movie backs up what I've leared from my great Grandparents and great, great Grandparents my entire life.
I think one of the most interesting statements this film points out is the fact that "the Good Old Days" aren't always as great as people try to make them seem. It's just human nature to remember the past in a happier light than it really was sometimes.
It's funny, because I was talking to a friend about this film a few weeks ago. He's very religious, and not the sharpest knife in the drawer. (He also was born and raised in Sparta, Wisconsin.)I asked him why he thought his state had produced both Ed Gein and Jeffery Dahmer and he explained to me that Wisconsin was haunted by many demons - only he wasn't just speaking figuratively! :O)
I hope some people out there will give this film a chance, because Mr. James Marsh really did an outstanding job!