Happy October, it's once again that time of year where the weather becomes colder and I get to celebrate my favorite season with lots of movie watching. This year I'll be trying to get through 31 days of reviews starting today and I hope you all enjoy. Let's start out with a fun little gem from the late 80's that I'm willing to bet few have even heard of.
'Brain Damage' is directed by Frank Henenlotter and tells the bizarre tale of a young man who discovers a strange slug like creature named Aylmer, who slowly takes over the man's life after he becomes addicted to a drug that Aylmer injects in exchange for victims to feed on. Insanity, blood splattering, brain munching, and all out wild shit ensues. I found 'Brain Damage' at a local video store as they were beginning to sell off their old stock of VHS tapes. It was sun faded and at the bottom of the bin, but the poster alone was enough to get my 10 year old self to grab it and I wasn't disappointed.
The movie is absolutely crazy but that's what you'd expect if you're a fan on Henenlotter's work and while 'Brain Damage' is far from his most bonkers flick (I'd give that honor to 'Frankenhooker') it's such a unique and bizarre concept you'd never see these days which makes it stand out among your typical horror fare. Special effects are the film's biggest draw and if you like some goofy puppets and lots of over the top gore, then this will be a feast for you. Really the biggest flaw here is going to come off more like a nitpick but the acting is pretty poor and the camera work and set design is mediocre but let me explain.
'Basket Case' and 'Frankenhooker' are also silly concepts by Henenlotter but they had their own distinct look and both had a cast that worked well with the material better than here. 'Basket Case' has that gritty 'Taxi Driver' look and everyone in it fits and 'Frankenhooker' is bright colorful and neon with over the top acting to fit. Here it feels like a bit more of a tug o war between those two film's tones. It seems like it's trying to be gritty and gory like the former but colorful and silly on the other making it a bit tone deaf at times.
'Brain Damage' is overall a fun 80's splatter flick that most horror fans will enjoy even if it's a bit too serious at times for its own good and the gore and acting is iffy. Still a high recommendation from your fellow horror critic.
B+
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