Movie Review: Dead & Buried (1981)
Synopsis:
"Dead & Buried," directed by Gary Sherman, is a chilling horror film that intertwines themes of mortality, resurrection, and small-town secrets. Set in the fictional coastal town of Potter’s Bluff, the story begins with a gruesome murder of a visiting photographer, whose body is found as his remains are burned alive by the townsfolk. What starts as a bizarre and horrific crime soon spirals into a web of intrigue when the local sheriff, Dan Gillis (James Farentino), becomes embroiled in the investigation. As he delves deeper into the town’s dark secrets, it becomes painfully clear that the residents of Potter’s Bluff are not as they seem.
The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of eerie visuals and shocking events. Despite the brutal murder, the dead seem to come back to life. As Gillis tries to piece together the bizarre occurrences, he uncovers a community involved in a ritualistic practice of murdering outsiders and reviving them as one of their own. This unsettling revelation not only challenges Gillis’s perception of duty but also pits him against an insidious force that threatens not only his life but also his sanity.
List of Actors and Their Characters:
- James Farentino as Sheriff Dan Gillis
- Melody Anderson as Janet Gillis
- Jack Albertson as the Undertaker
- Robert Englund as the Town Photographer
- Michael Gough as the Coroner
- Linda Hope as the Hospital Nurse
- Lisa Blount as the Townsfolk Member
Review:
"Dead & Buried" defies conventional horror film narratives by digging deep into its psychological and sociological underpinnings. The opening scenes are both haunting and unsettling, setting a tone that persists throughout the film. The cinematography by Bruce Logan paints a portrait of dread and decay, using shadows and stark lighting to breathe life into the panic that envelops Potter’s Bluff. The lens captures the town’s natural beauty while contrasting this with the atrocities committed within its borders, which amplifies the sense of duality present in the film.
The script, penned by the team of Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett, blends grotesque horror with biting satire, showcasing good humour that cuts through the tension while maintaining a sense of foreboding. This balance is masterfully complemented by the distinctive score from Joe Renzetti, which enhances the film’s oppressive atmosphere. The sequences featuring the townsfolk conducting their nefarious deeds are particularly haunting, showcasing a blend of rural charm and insidious villainy.
James Farentino delivers a remarkable performance as Sheriff Dan Gillis. Farentino embodies the role of a beleaguered small-town sheriff with a palpable sense of despair and determination. His gradual descent into paranoia and confusion is strikingly portrayed, as he wrestles with the reality of his circumstances and the sinister nature of his fellow townsfolk. Melody Anderson also shines as Janet Gillis, capturing the essence of a supportive yet conflicted spouse, offering her husband both emotional grounding and escalating concern as events spiral out of control.
Robert Englund, in one of his earliest roles prior to becoming an icon through the "Nightmare on Elm Street" franchise, is effectively chilling as the town’s photographer. His unique charisma lends an unsettling charm to a character deeply entwined with the grim happenings of Potter’s Bluff. The supporting cast includes seasoned actors like Jack Albertson and Michael Gough, who infuse their characters with a sense of authenticity, creating a town populated with distinct and memorable personas.
One of the film’s most potent strengths lies in its exploration of community and belonging. The residents of Potter’s Bluff illustrate the threads of loyalty that bind together a close-knit society, albeit these bonds are steeped in an undercurrent of murderous intent. The film poses questions around conformity and the extent to which individuals will go to protect their community, even through horrific means. The motivations behind the bizarre ritualistic murders draw on notions of sacrifice and adaptation, highlighting the primitive instincts buried within societal structures.
As the film progresses, it deftly builds towards a series of shocking revelations about the nature of death and resurrection—a thematic contrast that leaves audiences questioning the very fabric of life and the sinister possibilities lying beneath the surface of ordinary existence. The climax of "Dead & Buried" plunges viewers into a realm where reality blurs with supernatural elements, leading to an outcome that is as thought-provoking as it is disturbing.
The film does not shy away from its visceral gore; however, it employs these gruesome moments with a calculated precision that enhances the overall narrative rather than detracting from it. The horror in “Dead & Buried” does not merely come from the startling imagery or blood-soaked scenes but stems from an emotional core—the fear of betrayal by one’s own community, the loss of identity, and the despair of isolation.
In terms of its pacing, the film maintains an engaging rhythm that balances tension with moments of introspection. The gradual unraveling of the plot and the slow revelation of the town’s secrets keep audiences on the edge of their seats. While some may find the pacing a bit languid in parts, this deliberate approach ultimately reinforces the film’s eerie ambience and growing sense of dread.
Nonetheless, the film does have its shortcomings. Some viewers may feel that the latter act strains credulity, with an approach to its supernatural elements that can appear slightly convoluted. This may lead to a sense of disconnection for those seeking straightforward horror. Additionally, the twist ending, while masterful in its execution, may provoke divided opinions regarding its philosophical implications, potentially leaving some viewers with a sense of ambivalence about the film’s message.
In conclusion, "Dead & Buried" stands as a testament to the ingenuity of 1980s horror cinema, providing both frights and a narrative depth seldom seen in the genre. With strong performances, haunting visuals, and an unsettling exploration of the human condition, it cements its place as a cult classic worthy of revisitation. Despite a few narrative quirks and pacing issues, the film’s ability to intertwine horror with philosophical inquiry ensures it remains a standout experience.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
