Fragment (1965) User Reviews

Well Made Warren Short About Love, Loneliness, and Suicide

[Videoverdose · 7/10 · 29 June 2019]

An early black and white film by writer-director and cult horror hero, Norman J Warren. A sad, lonely woman strolls around a wintry London, and stops to stare pensively over a bridge. Will she jump?

She opts not to, and it proves to be a wise decision, as she meets a handsome young man moments later. There's an immediate mutual attraction; the duo spend the day together, cruising around in his convertible, trading smiles, and sipping a pint at a pub. Cut to a quick, dare I say wholesome, love making scene. Conflict arises when the woman spots her newfound object of attraction gallivanting with another woman the following day. I won't spoil the ending, but don't expect a bloody passion killing; Warren was definitely aiming for a more emotionally driven short story with this one.

The film is also driven by its score, a variety of moody orchestral pieces by the composer who did SATAN'S SLAVE. There is no dialogue, only sounds of the city, and Warren uses his camera and performers to tell the story efficiently. It's a straightforward film that touches on themes of depression, suicide, and the power of love in its 11 minute run time. While there's no gore or horror elements, it's a well made curiosity for Warren fans.

Included as a bonus feature on Vinegar Syndrome's 2019 blu for SATAN'S SLAVE (an essential release for fans), sporting a fresh new scan.

Moody black and white short has power but no dialogue

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 12 August 2016]

An 11-minute black and white short from cult British director Norman J. Warren, who would go on to forge a memorable career in the sex and horror industries. FRAGMENT sees a disturbed young woman suffering from depression after the break-up of a long-term relationship.

The film sees her wandering through a wintry landscape which reflects her internal mood. The locations are industrial and remarkably bleak, a bleakness achieved through some decent camera-work. It's an evocative mood piece with no dialogue and the main actress, Maureen Roche, conveys her feelings through her expressions alone. Actor Simon Brent, who would later star in Warren's sex drama LOVING FEELING, has a cameo as a man she meets in the street.

FRAGMENT has quite an obvious ending but I thought it was relatively powerful given the short running time. The final shot, of a busy road from behind a wire mesh fence, is quite arty and depicts a sense of separation, of life going on despite the personal problems of the individual.