Rhinoceros Eyes (2003)

45% of critics liked it
(22 reviews)
64% of users liked it
(769 ratings)

Written and directed by Aaron Woodley, Rhinoceros Eyes follows Chep (Michael Pitt), a reclusive prop-factory employee who quite literally lives at his job. Considering that Chep only leaves the funhouse-like factory to watch romantic films at the local movie house and is able to locate even the most… More Written and directed by Aaron Woodley, Rhinoceros Eyes follows Chep (Michael Pitt), a reclusive prop-factory employee who quite literally lives at his job. Considering that Chep only leaves the funhouse-like factory to watch romantic films at the local movie house and is able to locate even the most obscure of objects from the depths of the prop house, he is regarded among peers as a valuable, if eccentric, asset to the staff. Eventually, Chep develops an infatuation with Fran (Paige Turco), a movie production designer with an uncanny eye for detail and authenticity. As her visits become more frequent, her requests become more bizarre -- including a pair of rhinoceros eyes, an antique Irish wooden prosthetic arm, and a severed index finger -- Chep becomes increasingly determined to procure them for her, and resorts to drastic, oftentimes violent measures. Though the police become involved, Chep's grip on reality continues to deteriorate, and visions of an alter ego constructed of prop-house junk begin to take over his life. The film also features Matt Servitto, Jim Allodi, Victor Ertmanis, and Nadia Litz. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Aaron Woodley
Written By: Aaron Woodley
Genres: Drama, Horror, Art House & International

In Theaters: Apr 23, 2004 Wide
On DVD: Feb 19, 2008
Studio: Madstone Films

Critic Reviews

Peter Howell, Toronto Star
A disturbing movie with new talents to watch ...
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
... I've come to appreciate the comic side of it.
Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Quirkiness alone can't substitute for a compelling story line, interesting themes or real characters.
John Monaghan, Detroit Free Press
A movie that doesn't always work but certainly earns high marks for weirdness.
Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
For too much of the film's running time, quirkiness stands in for genuine wit, and the screenplay is most notable for its derivativeness.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
A thriller that shamelessly rummages through other movies in search of shocks.
Brian Gibson, Vue Weekly (Edmonton, Canada)
Has its own peculiar sensibility, a sort of magical grotesqueness. . . . It's too bad that Woodley doesn't push his themes and ideas further, blurring reality and dream more profoundly.
Jim Slotek, Jam! Movies
Part comedy, part horror and part stream-of-consciousness, the low-budget film betrays influences ranging from retro-maven Guy Maddin to Woodley's own uncle David Cronenberg, all held together by Woodley's own unique spark.
Doris Toumarkine, Film Journal International
What about those fundamentals of engagement that keep filmgoers in their seats?
Eric D. Snider, EricDSnider.com
Reeks of film-school, 'Donnie Darko'-inspired weirdness. It's the sort of movie that would be pretentious if it were smart enough to figure out how.
David Elliott, San Diego Union-Tribune
Smacks of upscale student work with a command of atmospherics but a script mixed in a blender of concept doodles.
Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
As weird and off-putting as portions of the film are, the most serious problem is Pitt's performance.
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
Utterly wrongheaded and indistinctly creepy, in that yawn-inducing way of pretentious twaddle...
Ken Fox, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The surprise is how utterly original [Woodley's] gorgeously mounted curiosity seems.
Marcy Dermansky, About.com
Michael Pitt, the baby-faced actor who recently played a more sophisticated cinephile in Bertolucci's "The Dreamers," holds the film together just by being himself.
Harvey S. Karten, Compuserve
A film about a guy with a fantasy life so rich it could make Walter Mitty envious.
Edward Havens, FilmJerk.com
A film rich in depth and texture, "Rhinoceros Eyes" should give avid cinéastes a pleasurable time at the theatre.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Nicki M

I absolutely loved this! I had been wanting to see it for ages, and it did not disappoint me at all. A very original movie, reminded me very slightly of Donnie Darko, but better, I think (and i really liked Donnie Darko, so that's saying a lot!). Michael Pitt is fantastic in… More
I absolutely loved this! I had been wanting to see it for ages, and it did not disappoint me at all. A very original movie, reminded me very slightly of Donnie Darko, but better, I think (and i really liked Donnie Darko, so that's saying a lot!). Michael Pitt is fantastic in this, I cannot imagine anyone else pulling off this role. I can see myself watching this one many times over! Highly recommended!
Emily A

I really liked the blend of fantasy and reality in this movie, but it didn't give you enough to let you keep track of both. I really liked the peripheral characters though, especially Chep's boss and Detective Barbara.
Mike T

This is a brave little indie film that ultimately falls short as a result of somewhat cloudy directorial vision. I like the story a lot, and Michael Pitt's performance is fantastically original, but it's a little too weird for its own good. Compelling in a weird way, but… More
This is a brave little indie film that ultimately falls short as a result of somewhat cloudy directorial vision. I like the story a lot, and Michael Pitt's performance is fantastically original, but it's a little too weird for its own good. Compelling in a weird way, but definitely not the gem I was expecting.
Kevin M

Creepy scenes, especially when Pitt's wearing that hideous mask Method acting is ok in this movie, especially in the 'horrified' scene.