'The Last Circus' Trailer: Álex de la Iglesia's Spanish Civil War Clown Horror Film (VIDEO)
Though centuries of tradition insist that clowns are engineered to bring joy and laughter in to the hearts of boys and girls, there's always been something inherently creepy about the would-be merry pranksters.
Perhaps its the face paint, or giant red noses, or the long, flowing jumpsuits that look like palettes for kindergarten painters in training. Or the fact that, beneath all that makeup and outrageous costuming, it's hard to tell what the obscured actor is thinking. Regardless the reason, the caution with which many take to clowns has been amplified in recent years by a series of Hollywood B movies that set to film our worst fears about the circus performers, putting knives in their hands and evil in their hearts.
Generally, the quality of film -- see: "Killer Clowns from Outer Space" -- has prevented the scare from getting too out of hard. But taking a look at this trailer for a new film from acclaimed Spanish director, Álex de la Iglesia, all the worst we've come to suspect of the circus stars is brought to bloody, terrifying realization.
The movie, "The Last Circus," takes place during the Spanish Civil War, and features a once-happy clown who is set off on a murdering rampage after being taken captive by troops patrolling the land. Being forced to kill a whole squadron of soldiers, his disposition is quite changed, and not in the way that Ringling Brothers might highlight in one of their commercials.
Having played at a number of film fests, including Venice, the movie is set for a limited release on August 12t.
WATCH:
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First Posted: 06/20/11 09:37 AM ET Updated: 08/20/11 06:12 AM ET