The Back Row
The Back Row

The Back Row

1973Movie85 minEnglish

A veritable travelogue of pre-Disneyfication Times Square, The Back Row is an explicit takeoff on Midnight Cowboy, following the adventures of a naïve young cowboy, fresh off the bus from Montana, as he takes a walk on the wild side in sleazy New York City.

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Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: Ulli LommelGenres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A mysterious film that explores the dark corners of the human psyche, "The Back Row" follows a group of individuals drawn into a disturbing and surreal series of events. As reality blurs with illusion, they confront their deepest fears and hidden desires. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of psychological tension and ambiguous motives, leaving the audience questioning what is real and what is imagined.

Critical Reception

Little is documented about the critical reception of "The Back Row" upon its release, as it was a relatively obscure European production. It has since gained a cult following among fans of experimental and avant-garde horror cinema, often praised for its unique atmosphere and unsettling imagery, though its narrative ambiguity and slow pace have been noted as divisive elements.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its dreamlike and disorienting atmosphere.
  • Criticized for its confusing and often impenetrable narrative.
  • Noted for its experimental approach to horror filmmaking.

Google audience: Audience reception for "The Back Row" is largely limited to niche film forums and cult cinema enthusiasts. Those who appreciate its avant-garde style often highlight its unique visual language and psychological depth, while others find it too abstract and lacking in conventional storytelling.

Fun Fact

Director Ulli Lommel was heavily influenced by the works of filmmakers like Rainer Werner Fassbinder and David Lynch when creating the surreal and unsettling atmosphere of "The Back Row".

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