The Resurrected (1991)*

 

March 16, 2008

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Private detective John March(John Terry)is hired by a beautiful client, Claire(Jane Sibbett)concerned about her husband Charles Dexter Ward(Chris Sarandon, yet again perfectly cast)who has removed himself from her life almost completely, secluding himself from their cottage miles away in his ancestral home of Joseph Curwen, a person known for toying with witchcraft. Encountering a curiously declining Charles, speaking with an unusual grammar and an unusual Asian who speaks no English, within the Curwen home, March and Claire know something is amiss. Claire, truly worried about her husband's mental health, agrees to have Charles committed. Searching through the underground catacombs beneath Curwen's home, the mysteries regarding bringing the dead back to life are discovered. But, not just notes and written papers acknowledging this, but pits containing "failed experiments" revealing a monstrous secret hidden away from civilization. Yet, something is on the rampage throughout Rhode Island eating residents. When a suitcase carrying bones is opened by March, he truly understands who Charles really is...or, more importantly, who is carrying on a charade pretending to be Charles.

Shamefully neglected(..I myself only found out about it thanks to an Internet pal from Belgium)gem has to be considered one of the best horror films adapted from a Lovecraft tale. The gore effects of the monsters in the pits within the catacombs, bodies "re-birthed", and two bodies being "spliced together" are amazing to behold thanks to good ole fashioned make-up wizardry. Old school special effects, made by the hands of craftsman, are certainly appreciated by yours truly, and director Dan O'Bannon brings to life quite a stunning horror film. Not just the effects, but how he photographs the film through his energetic camera-work, smooth story-telling, and a wonderful unveiling of the mystery as it builds(..what "Charles" was up to, hidden away as a private dick learns of the horrifying details unfolding everything to the viewer)inside the darkened tunnels where you never know what lurks around the corner or in the next room, O'Bannon deserves more respect from fans..this is a film that should be re-discovered and appreciated. Great finale in a padded cell where March confronts "Charles" and faces grave danger, just adds to the grisly goodies of this superb thriller. And, Richard Band's score only adds to the film's many attributes. For once, I don't think Lovecraft wasn't spinning in his grave..