Well, so I go into October with a pleasurable nightly schedule of horror (two or three films, which is not a bad stack considering time constraints) and then the job interferes dumping me on night shift. So I lose the night and get a few hours of the afternoon to try and watch at least one movie. It stinks, but the job allows me certain luxuries when it comes to watching horror and such. Anyway, I did get a chance to watch The Evil Dead ('81 version; NOT the remake) yesterday afternoon. I had distractions, but what do you do? Putting together a goldfish aquarium for the kids, help put away the groceries, always something. Still, this film really is a full-bore, right-smack-dab-in-your-face, highly energized, go-for-the-jugular horrorshow. This is the kind of movie I always go to when you talk demon-possession insanity. I do think Evil Dead 2 bests it in certain respects, but when you talk about a few kids putting their collective talents and energies into hitting you right across the chops with blood, goo, hideous makeup, and body parts ED 1 is the place to be for those who appreciate gore effects splattering all over the place.
But, man, that "woods rape" of the poor first victim (soon to be dumped in the cellar after nearly taking out everyone in one fell swoop) when she ventures out (unwisely) to ask "Who goes there?" is really fucked up. I mean, a branch, among many that accost her in an entrapment, sexually assaults her and it is a blunt force scene that doesn't pull any punches. I can't see why this wasn't as substantial before as it was yesterday afternoon, but, just the same, I thought it was a shocker. Quite frankly, this is a film of shock and awe if ever there was a horror film. Got to hand it to Bruce and the young cast, as they inherently allow the material to overtake them. The makeup couldn't have been fun to go through, and the cast have physically demanding parts inherited during this indie production. Bruce gets blood-and-body-bits grue mulched in his face and person throughout. He's tossed around like a rag doll, and his character is often abused by the demons in the worst ways (clawed and bitten). Even the damned heinous giggling assaults his senses.
The exercise in style and splatter is respected by me, for sure. I remember my first time seeing it--won't ever forget it--on sci-fi channel the year Vincent Price died. That very Halloween year etched in my mind. Introduced to Phantasm, the first two Puppetmasters, Evil Dead all in the same span of hours. What a way to be baptized into the oceans of red, as ED 1 is as good a place to be indoctrinated into the wonderful world of splatter. A video rental must, this film can now be found for 5 bucks collecting on a Walmart shelf. But in its glory days sitting on a rental shelf ready for new eyes, ED 1 and its two beloved brothers, Dead by Dawn and Army of Darkness, have a cult rep for a reason.
When the bodies deteriorate at the end, though, I could have stood up and applauded. I absolutely dig the hell out of the way the bodies just diminish as if acid had taken to them. It is incredible stop motion gore at its most electrifying. These kids were quite skilled at grossing you out. I am quite an admirer.
But, man, that "woods rape" of the poor first victim (soon to be dumped in the cellar after nearly taking out everyone in one fell swoop) when she ventures out (unwisely) to ask "Who goes there?" is really fucked up. I mean, a branch, among many that accost her in an entrapment, sexually assaults her and it is a blunt force scene that doesn't pull any punches. I can't see why this wasn't as substantial before as it was yesterday afternoon, but, just the same, I thought it was a shocker. Quite frankly, this is a film of shock and awe if ever there was a horror film. Got to hand it to Bruce and the young cast, as they inherently allow the material to overtake them. The makeup couldn't have been fun to go through, and the cast have physically demanding parts inherited during this indie production. Bruce gets blood-and-body-bits grue mulched in his face and person throughout. He's tossed around like a rag doll, and his character is often abused by the demons in the worst ways (clawed and bitten). Even the damned heinous giggling assaults his senses.
The exercise in style and splatter is respected by me, for sure. I remember my first time seeing it--won't ever forget it--on sci-fi channel the year Vincent Price died. That very Halloween year etched in my mind. Introduced to Phantasm, the first two Puppetmasters, Evil Dead all in the same span of hours. What a way to be baptized into the oceans of red, as ED 1 is as good a place to be indoctrinated into the wonderful world of splatter. A video rental must, this film can now be found for 5 bucks collecting on a Walmart shelf. But in its glory days sitting on a rental shelf ready for new eyes, ED 1 and its two beloved brothers, Dead by Dawn and Army of Darkness, have a cult rep for a reason.
When the bodies deteriorate at the end, though, I could have stood up and applauded. I absolutely dig the hell out of the way the bodies just diminish as if acid had taken to them. It is incredible stop motion gore at its most electrifying. These kids were quite skilled at grossing you out. I am quite an admirer.
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