Maybe it is a meaningful metaphor representing the cracks in our economy..maybe it represents the average down and out citizen chopping the head off injustice and fear and taking charge of his life. Or maybe it is just a fantabulous pic!! P.S. I've always wished I could rock a trenchcoat.

Brilliant. Maybe on day I'll learn to shoot something like this. Bravo!

Peace, brothers and sisters! The bottom line is that this is a unique piece of photographic art, brilliantly set up and lighted. The "horror" part of the equation is purely symbolic, and this is more than obvious. Greetings to all

If this is a scene from a movie, what classification would it be labelled under in your country? In my country, I think it would be at least R18, meaning anyone under 18 would not be admitted. If decapitating a woman (or man) and carrying and walking around with her (his) head in one hand and the axe (in this case) is not gore, violence, then what is? Would an artistic photo which shows, or implies as in this case, a woman has just been raped on a dark and lonely cracked road be OK for this contest, without showing any pubic hair of course.

Well, I'm not going to be drawn into some protracted discussion where everyone sees you're wrong but you. There is no real controversy as it has already been posted that "This entry has been seen and approved by the Mods...there is nothing in this image that violates the rules of this site." Second, a philosophical discussion pertaining to violence etc. should take place in the forum, not on a specific entry. I would tell you to red flag it if you don't like it, but the mods have already approved it. Just let it go. The world will keep turning

Well... I'm almost a little afraid to add my two cents. I am usually not one to shy away from pointing out if I think an entry is not appropriate since there are kids on the site. But, I don't think ( just MHO) this shot falls into that category. The head is obviously fake. There is no evident blood or guts etc. You see things far more graphic than this on an average night of television. If it was a close-up, with dripping blood and gore at the neck, I'd probably be agreeing with you. But this image is a bit sanitized. If I had any complaint, it would probably be that the figure draws attentiuon away from the cracks in the road. But it's a nice shot.

Brilliant! Obviously thought provoking. Evil. Captivating.
I sympathize with some of the points raised but we are in a generation of CSI and the evening news.
We are drawn to evil. That is why this image captures emotion. I think it is an amazing entry.

This entry has been seen and approved by the Mods...there is nothing in this image that violates the rules of this site, no undue blood or gore, no extreme nudity...we consider this matter closed, if any members have other issues with this image, please use the Red-flag's and we will consider each response for its own merit...otherwise, the argument with the author is unmerited.

Ok nem, think about it, if something lacks taste, it is tasteless! That is kinda the definition of tasteless. And also, I think this is the most unique approach to the theme for the contest yet. All the other entries are just images of cracks in a road, while this evokes emotion and thought that the other fail to do. What makes a photo is incredibly subjective. I look a photos in two ways some are just meant to be pretty, and some are meant to evoke emotions and ideas. If a photo does either of those, then I consider it a decent photo. I consider this a great photo because the emotion you get from it is almost the same for everyone, it is quite clear what the photographer was trying to do. This site being "family friendly" I actually have problems with. They claim to be "fine art photography" and "family friendly" and the two can not exist in the same sentence unless one has a not in front of them. And for the photo being removed because of a pubic hair, I've had photos removed for even more ridiculous reason. I almost left because of how picky they were getting. I don't agree with it. And if they do show favoritism, it isn't the author's fault, you should be going to the mods about it, not the author. there really isn't anything he can do about people favoriting his work.

Cool

Oh wow. Seriously brilliant. Your pic has just about psyched me, and probably everyone else out of entering this week. You deserve to win it. Well done !!

wow...nicely done...

Amazing photo!

Hey, that's my ex-husband!!! Great work. So sinister. Love it!

Didn't I see this guy around my neighborhood?

Gooooood!

Congrats with a spot in the next round

Cool - it's the Matrix

Interesting composition

WOW!

I had to view this in HR to really see how cool this shot is, well done =)

Wonderful!

Oh, this is great!

Beautifully done!

I take my hat off. I love the color and atmosphere

great lighting

Very nice still life. Beautiful lighting.

Awesome

Beautifully done

Nice composition and thx for the description

Congrats on 1st place, wonderful work as always.

Awesome! I love it

Like a still from a horror movie! The angle helps bring out the element of terror. Great job, author.

Unless the reader is Japanese

The black strip is Fine, but in my opinion it should be on the right side of the treasure chest.

#fantastic image!! please kick the completely black stripe on the left side.... it's senseless and makes your wonderful photo a little bit boring anyway well done and good luck!

That's the spirit, author. A plus

非常好 !!!!

Great work indeed

nice work

Nice Atmosphere

awesome, and congrats.

congrats, well deserved..!

Nice work! Goes to my fav

Thinking outside of the box Great concept.

I had a lot of fun goggling that.

brilliant

what a lovely b/w portrait, if i were to guess it is a 1 light set up.. it works well here. nicely done

Great shot. Love the lighting. But, he doesn't have a ton of wrinkles (but I guess the theme didn't specify a number)