What Do You Get When You Combine Paris Hilton with Repossessed Organs?

I don’t know exactly how he first heard about it, but it was my husband that decided we should watch this unusual film. My initial expectations weren’t high. This was a musical (rock-opera, to be exact). It looked to be about a Repo man. And Paris Hilton was in it.

Image via Wikipedia

Okay, so here’s the plot. It’s the not-so-distant future, and for some reason lots of people are suffering organ failure. Many can’t afford organ transplants, so one company (GeneCo) steps in to help. Their “help” is to sell people the organs they need (or sometimes just want) on a payment plan. If you miss a payment, the Repo Man will come to repossess your organ. Gruesome, right?

The owner of GeneCo basically runs everything. He has three overly-privileged kids; including a spoiled daughter played by Paris Hilton (can you say “type-casting”?). Most of the movie centers on a 17 year old girl who is essentially quarantined off from the world by her father. Shiloh is played by Alexa Vega, who you may recognize if you’ve seen any of the Spy Kids movies. Vega does an amazing job and has a great singing voice.

In fact, all the actors sang very well… although you may argue Paris did not. I believe she sang quite fine, and I believe that it was not intended for her to sing superbly for this role. In any case, it’s interesting to note that Hilton won a Razzie, for Worst Supporting Actress for this film. I don’t know. I think that’s a bit harsh. I mean, her face fell off in this movie. Give her some credit for that!

Image via Wikipedia (she has definitely grown up since this picture was taken)

This movie isn’t for everyone. And you need to be in the right mindset to watch this…oh, and definitely NOT while you’re eating dinner. It was visually beautiful, although very dark. The movie interlaces opera-style dramatics, comic book imagery, gothic visuals and modern rock music. Many will want to buy the music CD after seeing this film.

Image via Wikipedia

Note: This is a review of the 2008 movie. An earlier version of Repo! The Genetic Opera was made in 2006.