The problem with films like this is that a lot of people can't seem to accept that art reflects everything, not just the nice things. I'm not recommending anyone see it if they're going to be upset (it's extremely unpleasant and I have no desire for a repeat screening) but designed to shock? Yes, but only to make a point.
There's a glut of sadistic torture movies out there. Some are mainstream and have theme park rides built in their honour. This is our pop culture right now. Someone has taken that and pushed it to it's worst excess and, having met the people who made the film and talked at length about the situation in Serbia, I think they're sincere and this is a genuine attempt at some kind of cinematic primal therapy.
I think people make the mistake that everything commited to film should be entertaining and untroubling but I don't agree. This film is offensive but not without reason although I can see how a viewer could be so turned off by the savagery as to miss any subtext.
Oddly, it's not designed to be talked about in the press, it's designed to express rage. In fact, the mainstream kneejerk right wing press have sensibly left it alone for the most part in order to not give extra publicity to something they disagree with.
Finally, I don't think there's anything wrong with bad taste or offending people and it's not actually a bad film if you can get around the horror of it. Stylish, good performances, nice shot set ups and a soundtrack that gets under your skin.
A good film about very bad things in other words.
Attached is a clip in which a father explains sexual awakening to his son in a very measured, tasteful way. Family relationships and quieter emotional moments are built into the film. I think that's what upset me most, the characters are so much better drawn than something like Hostel, where they are just meat to be hacked. In A Serbian Film, they take the time to make them