Mitchell Lichtenstein's Teeth: DVD Review
Jess Weixler Stars in Feminist Horror Film with a Bite
Jul 21, 2008
Typically, women play the victims in horror movies. Running from a masked man with a chain saw or machete, inevitably tripping over a root or a rock, screaming for their lives as the slow, lumbering killer miraculously catches up in a matter of seconds, these are all scenes that we have seen way too many times. Movies such as Carrie and American Psycho 2 will occasionally place the power in the female’s hand, but Teeth, by writer/director/producer Mitchell Lichtenstein, turns the standard formula on its head by placing the power in its main character’s genitals.
Vagina Dentata
The move focuses on Dawn, played by Jess Weixler, who has the curious condition known as vagina dentata (“dentata” being Latin for teeth). In scenes showing Dawn’s house, there is a nuclear power plant computer-animated into the background; this would appear to imply that her condition was some sort of mutation caused by the power plant because there would be no other reason to include this in the film. Unlike classic 50’s horror shows featuring gigantic mutated beasts (which the movie slyly references), Teeth isn’t about the dangers of technology; it is about how this young girl is able to take this condition and use it to defend herself from sexual predators.
Less Than Honorable
The movie begins with Dawn giving a speech at an abstinence rally. Her two friends, Gwen and Phil, introduce her to Tobey, played by Hale Appleman; the attraction between the two is obvious. After going on a couple of dates, the two find themselves alone in a cave. When Dawn tells Tobey that she has taken a vow of purity and wishes to wait until marriage to have sex, Tobey assaults her. However, her condition, which she seems to have been unaware of, takes over and Tobey finds himself lacking the equipment to continue with his less than honorable intentions. Distraught, Dawn seeks help from one low-life after another, until an unfortunate incident makes her realize that she can use her condition to her advantage.
Unintentional Humor
The only real problem with the movie is that it is unintentionally funny at times and takes itself too seriously. Apparently the movie was inspired by the fact that many cultures across the globe have the myth or something similar to vagina dentata, and this seems to be part of the reason the movie takes itself overly seriously. While at times the movie does make a few jokes, there are times when it’s attempting to be serious and is hampered by what is kind of a ridiculous premise (There is one scene in particular with a gynecologist with missing fingers shouting “Vagina dentata! It’s true!” It seems as though it is meant to be taken seriously but is difficult to do so). While these few scenes can be distracting, they don’t detract enough from the overall quality of the movie to the point where it’s not worth recommending. Besides, feminist horror movies are few and far between.
