6. Combat Shock (1986)
A Troma film that isn't comical? That deals with serious, depressing issues? Yes folks, it does exist in this grim as hell, everything is awful 1986 effort Combat Shock by Buddy Giovinazzo. A Vietnam veteran - Frankie - who visits Vietnam every night in his head - has a pregnant wife and a deformed baby - due to his exposure to Agent Orange during the war. He can't get a job, he is surrounded by junkies and urban decay. Growing more and more frustrated with his inability to change his environment, Frankie descends into a murderous madness, killing the scum buckets around him and then moving onto his family.. My dear viewers, if you are ever feeling fed up with what the heavens have dealt you, then watch this film and you will be on your knees thanking God for your wonderful lifestyle. The low budget atmosphere suits the film in terms of portraying the dissolution and the squalidness of the streets Frankie inhabits. The film grows worse with every passing frame into the horrific finale. I am a fan of both Ingmar Bergman and Robert Bresson. I know the meaning of bleak. But this film is seismic in its morbidness! You will hate me for introducing you to this one... It will be like a fatwah - a bleakwah.