Combat Shock (Buddy Giovinazzo, 1986)

7/10
Ultra grim and depressing, low-budget, post-Vietnam movie from 1986. Details the aftermath of a Vietnam soldier's return home to an American wasteland where him, his wife, and his grotesquely deformed baby have no food, no money, no jobs and no hope. The story lacks at times, and its shocking ending is foreshadowed almost from the get-go, but director/writer Buddy Giovinazzo does a great job evoking an oppressive, poverty-stricken urban landscape. His brother Ricky Gionvinazzo is also good both in the lead role and in composing the film's odd, dark synthpop soundtrack (although some people hate the acting and hate the score). The director's cut is out on DVD this month for the first time on Troma so if you're into disturbing cult flicks, this one's worth checking out. And if you've ever heard the Suicide song "Frankie Teardrop", you have an idea of what to expect with Combat Shock.