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Horripilations Review of Hellraiser (1987)

Movie Review: Hellraiser (1987)

Synopsis:

Hellraiser, directed by Clive Barker from his own novella "The Hellbound Heart," is a film that delves into the intersection of pain, pleasure, and the very fabric of eternity. The story revolves around Frank Cotton, a man who is in search of the ultimate experiences, leading him to the mysterious Lemarchand’s Box, a puzzle box that unlocks a world of unthinkable torture and ecstasy. Unbeknownst to Frank, the box serves as a gateway to another dimension inhabited by the Cenobites—demonic beings who delight in the suffering of humanity.

After he solves the box, Frank experiences a gruesome fate at the hands of the Cenobites, who are led by the enigmatic and unsettling Pinhead. However, through a series of horrific events, Frank’s blood spills onto the floor of his family’s abandoned house, effectively resurrecting him from the depths of hell in a grotesque state.

The film shifts focus to Frank’s brother, Larry Cotton, and his wife, Julia. Unaware of the sinister nature of the house’s former occupant, the couple moves in, soon discovering Frank’s dark secrets as Julia is inexplicably drawn to the memory of her old lover. In a bid to help Frank regain his corporeal form, Julia begins luring unsuspecting men to their home, offering them as sacrifices to the creature she once adored. With the arrival of Larry’s daughter, Kirsty, everything spirals into chaos as she unwittingly becomes embroiled in this nightmarish struggle, ultimately confronting the Cenobites and the malevolent forces of hell.

The film explores complex themes such as desire, mortality, and the thin line between pleasure and pain, all encapsulated within the truly bizarre atmosphere that Clive Barker so skillfully creates. The nightmarish visuals and haunting score add to the film’s unsettling nature, marking Hellraiser not just as a horror movie but as a profound exploration of the human experience.

Cast:

  • Andrew Robinson as Larry Cotton
  • Clare Higgins as Julia Cotton
  • Ashley Laurence as Kirsty Cotton
  • Sean Chapman as Frank Cotton
  • Doug Bradley as Pinhead
  • Nicholas Vince as Chatterer
  • Simon Bamford as Butterball
  • Grace Kirby as Female Cenobite
  • Oliver Smith as the Transmuted Frank
  • Michael Carter as the Kissing Cenobite

Conclusion:

Hellraiser is a seminal work in the horror genre that transcends the typical bounds of slasher films of its era, offering a deep and unsettling narrative filled with psychological horror. Clive Barker’s distinctive vision, melding the surreal with the visceral, allows audiences to confront both their deepest fears and the darker aspects of desire. The character of Pinhead has become an iconic figure in horror, not merely as a monster but as a philosophical challenge to the fabric of human experience.

The performances, especially by Doug Bradley and Clare Higgins, elevate the film’s emotional heft, grounding the supernatural elements in relatable human flaws and motivations. The practical effects and makeup work, while vivid and occasionally nauseating, serve to amplify the themes of transformation and the monstrous nature of desire.

While some elements may feel dated to modern audiences, Hellraiser remains an unforgettable exploration into the realms of suffering and pleasure. Its rich thematic content and potent imagery make it a worthy classic that continues to resonate with horror aficionados and new viewers alike.

For its daring approach, its exploration of complex themes, and its sheer audacity, I would score Hellraiser an 8 out of 10.

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