In a genre that has become increasingly limpid, crossing the line from homage to creative lethargy, true originality is cause to celebrate. When uniqueness of idea is matched by careful craftsmanship, the industry should take off its hat and supply that innovator with the funds and freedom to tell stories his way. Alas, this is the real world, or what passes for one today, and the masses are enamoured of lip singing pop stars and talk show hosts with breast implants, not storytelling. Major studios are content to remake instead of originate, and a new generation of fear fans, raised on mediocre genre offerings and an incorrect 'political correctness' that threatens to rape the very soul from personal expression are largely satisfied with horror films that have all the personal identity of Soda commercials. So when a director comes along whose vision remains as strong, independent, and warped as when he crafted his first nightmare to celluloid, it benefits us to pay attention -- no great challenge when that director is Frank Henenlotter, the man who made severed twins chick, and mutant rape fun.
Shocking the independent scene with Basket case, a twisted love letter to Siamese twins, one of whom is a homicidal monster, Henenlotter brought a cynical yet ultimately humorous approach to the genre, bypassing traditional supernatural horrors and the stale dictates of the moral majority. He was just as quick to thumb his nose at the studio system and the general belief that movies should be made by corporations instead of individuals. This man's movies come from his heart, as warped and angst riddled as it may be. And while neither Basket Case (2) or (3) lived up to the eccentric beauty or exploitative fervour of the original, and Frankenhooker is more of a Monty Python skit on acid than a true horror film, each of these continued to display a man with a vision (albeit little budget). Brain Damage is the true follow up to Basket Case in terms of both outrageous material and stylistic approach, playing by no rules but its own. An emotionally powerful detour through madness, drug addiction, and alienation in a world that cares little for anyone, this heartwarming tale of a man and his parasite is a rightly revered for its scathing mix of social satire, gore, and anti-social attitude. After years of being available only via horribly cut VHS, this completely restored and uncut edition from Synapse Films is a welcome trip into the gory glories of yesteryear, when horror could be ugly as well as strangely awe inspiring, and humor was achieved without one liners conceived by the mentally retarded.
A startlingly well made and carefully constructed horror show, Brain Damage is also a hybrid of various genres, including science fiction, the buddy picture, and, at its heart, a touching romance complete with parasite blow jobs. In fact, practically all of Henenlotter's films have explored the demands and dangers of friendship in one form or another, focusing on the destructive elements of co-dependence. Here this theme is attached to the timely mater of drug addiction, squeezed through a macabre sponge of alienation. Rick asks his brother to bring his girl out for the evening because he isn't feeling well. Later he discovers a huge splash of blood on his bed . . . and a threatening puncture wound on his neck. Aylmer, a singing sarcastic parasite who has escaped from a neighbour's apartment, introduces himself and makes a deal: when placed on the back of his neck, Aylmer injects a blue fluid to the brain that evokes feelings of hallucinogenic euphoria. The price? Oh, just some human brains, which of course Rick, as the host, most get for him. A whirlwind of messy bloodletting and regret follows, including a darkly hilarious example of withdrawal when Rick tries to get himself off of Aylmer's blue juice. Can Rick wean himself from this drug, or will he have to go back to being an instrument of death and torture? While you probably know the answer, getting there is one hell of a good time.
Brain Damage is rare in that it balances humor, horror, and sympathy evenly, allowing each emotion room to breath. Neither too smart for its own good or so goofy as to turn off anyone, the deadpan humor and ridiculous situations are strengthened and juxtaposed with smart dialogue. Characters react with believable fear and desire, with the conflict between greed and responsibility, pleasure and pain, embodied not only in the beautifully colored shots but, more impressively, reflected in themes that flow heavily as blood and pus. Similar to Basket Case, this twisted parable references the exploitative freedom and attitude of the Grindhouse. One improvement it has on the director's debut is a more finely tune story, including greater philosophical underpinning. This lends fresher perspective to the central story and a greater cultural context without hitting you on the head with obscure references or over intellectual fluff. In short, it's there if you want it but never stands in the way of action.
While all versions of this film circulating reveal a criticism of drug culture, as well as the director's ambiguous and contradictory balance of seriousness and mockery, the actual scenes of carnage haven't been so easy to see thanks to the customary ignorance and power hunger of the MPAA. This celebrated release includes the legendary ear pulling and oral sex scene, as well as additional Aylmer gore and expanded withdrawal material. A definitive cut of one of last century's most potent takes on drug dependence, Brain Damage also made monsters fun again. Thanks to Synapse, you can see it as intended. Hey, who needs drugs when you have this?!
Synapse presents Brain Damage in a 1.78:1 widescreen high-definition transfer. The movie looks wonderful, with no grain or cuts. Colors are vibrant, throbbing with the intensity of the storyline, particularly great gobs of red and blue. Flesh tones are natural and blacks solid. Audio is featured in Dolby Digital 5.1, which does a fine job balancing the score and sound effects.
Extras include the original Mono Soundtrack and an isolated music score, which is an inventive, pleasing way to evoke the surreal imagery of the film. Other features include an Audio Commentary with Henenlotter, Scooter McCrae and novelist Bob Martin, one time editor of Fangoria and the scribe whose story inspired the film. Ported over from Synapse's earlier release, this track is nevertheless informative and fun to listen to, reliving the experience of making the film and its inspirations, and the good feeling between the speakers shines through. Liner Notes and a Theatrical Trailer round out this impressive package.
Review by William P Simmons
Released by Synapse |
Region 1 - NTSC |
Not Rated |
Extras : |
see main review |