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| The original blurred face or horror. |
One of my top ten genre films of all time: Jacob's Ladder.
This movie continues to hold its own in many a horror critics view as one the top ten of any genre list should and by that they mean it's still truly horrifying. I remember some video stores in the 90's putting it in the drama or even sci-fi section of the store. I would go up to the counter to rent it for the tenth time and say, "You know this is a horror film, right?" Which i realized was a stupid question since, they obviously didn't know or care. I felt I had the right to bring it up because I, too, was an asshole high school student who worked in a movie theater.
In case you have never seen this one, maybe because you thought Adriane Lyne only directs soft-core Mickey Rourke movies, it contains some genuinely thoughtful drama amidst all of its scary evil. Jacob Singer, a veteran of the Vietnam war, cannot distinguish what reality he lives, who his woman is and whether or not he hallucinates. Other members of his former platoon reluctantly participate in conversations about their common experiences...because they are frightened to death.
A particularly frightening cinematography and editing technique makes this film unforgettable, and I won't spoil it for you, that continues to leave horror movie-goers squirming and shrieking in
their seats.
Macaulay Culkin and Elizabeth Peña also star in this film, alongside Tim Robbins playing the lead. Beautifully shot by Jeffrey Kimball, who did not film Lyne's other successes, who has allowed me to add this movie to my favorite Vietnam-era films as well. Sadly, this film perhaps contributed to the now defunct Carolco Studios who's resume includes the production of classics Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Total Recall, and Basic Instinct. It ultimately grossed just over $1 million over budget including VHS/DVD sales.
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| Note the similarity |
Intentionally with regards to the spirit of Jacob's Ladder comes The Jacket. Both sleepers films, although its cast of Adrien Brody, Keira Knightley, Kris Kristofferson, and Jennifer Jason Leigh bring full star power.
The lead played by Brody, also war Veteran, stumbles into wrongful justice and is sent to a hospital for the criminally insane where he there becomes subject to abusive sensory deprivation techniques by the asylum's Doctor, played by Kristofferson. In case you were wondering, he continues to dominate the hell out of the crusty, mean guy persona.
The events that take place while under the influence of 'the jacket' throw Brody's character into an alternate reality state where he can mentally project himself into the future in order to recount what has happened to him in the past. Sharp acting, extremely fresh plot, and like Jacob's Ladder, pulls at the heartstrings.
Look for a bonus Mackenzie Phillips brief and sinister appearance as one of the asylum's nurses.
Watching both of these films back-to-back will ensure a night of well-written mental trips for
their viewers.
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