The Human Centipede (First Sequence) at EStreet Cinemas Midnight Madness in Washington D.C.

The Midnight Madness crowd never fails to sell out theater 4 at Landmark's E Street Cinema's. I never get tired of seeing these films simply because of the crowd they attract. Tom Six's The Human Centipede (First Sequence) is the story of a deranged surgeon who after years of study dreams of connecting people to form, you guessed it, a human centipede. There are many medical horror films, but I would say this is the first biological horror films where it artfully stays in the possible and looks at the horrors that can be performed in the name of science. We experience something together and what an experience it was. I think you know I'm speaking of ass to mouth.

The film isn't as gross as you would think. No really, I'm serious. You don't see a great deal of what happens to Dr. Heiter's victims, but you see enough to feel it. The descriptions and aftermath are enough to keep you fixed staring at the thing that should be. I was honestly scared a few times, the same way an episode of the Twilight Zone scares you when you know there is no hope or escape. The insane doctor should be proudly placed alongside the ranks of Jason, Michael, and Freddy as a master of horror.

The crowd, not quite sure what to expect, cheered for the victims and the doctor all the same and were just happy to enjoy the roller coaster the film provided. Connecting to the victims is uncomfortable and you feel for them every time they're on screen. I watch film where awful things happen to good people all the time and never once have I wanted it to stop. You find yourself demanding a happy ending only for the real horror to begin. You laugh at the film because anything else would be upsetting. The audience often just asked questions out loud and others participated.

Films are supposed to make you feel something like all art is supposed to. Until now I didn't realize how shallow and weak modern horror is with its standard off the shelf generic characters and tired reused plots. Going from carnage, to tits, back to carnage in a blur of banal story telling that would only interest the underage or intoxicated. The Human Centipede (First Sequence) is a real film with good production values, editing, and cinematography all created to make you feel something.

Only three people walked out of the showing I attended and it was pretty quick into the medical stuff. If you like horror and if you want to see something you've never seen before then you need to see this film. I only hope more films take a cue from this film and now Saw 12 Even Sawier. if you missed it there is another show this weekend.

Next Shows:
Gone with the Pope May 21 & 22 @ Midnight!

Also back by popular demand: The Human Centipede (First Sequence) May 21 & 22 @ Midnight!

If you enjoy The Human Centipede (First Sequence) you may also enjoy:

-Nekromantik 1 & 2

-Bloodsucking Freaks

-Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom

-Irreversible

-Entrails of a Virgin

Theater Information

-Address: 555 11th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
- Phone: (202) 452-7672 (Automated)
-Parking: Entrance on 11th Street between "E" & "F" Streets Validate parking at box office
-Closet Metro: One block from Metro Center (Orange, Green, Red, Blue lines)

-Tickets: Box Office and online (link)
-Food: Movie candy, hot dogs, vegan and vegetarian choices. The hotdogs are boiling hot and awful every time I go, do not get them.
-Drink: Wine, Beer, Water, Soda
-Screens: 8
-Gift Cards: Yes

Also please see my other reviews of this theater and its films:
The Room