BRAIN DAMAGE (1988)

 

Written & Directed By: Frank Henlotter

Cinematography: Bruce Torbet 

Editor: Frank Henlotter And James Y. Kwai 

Cast: Rick Herbst, Gordon Macdonald, Jennifer Lowry, Theo Barnes, Lucille Saint-Peter, Vicki Darnell, Joe Gonzalez, Beverly Bonner

One morning, a young man wakes to find that a small, disgusting creature has attached itself to the base of his brain stem. The creature gives him a euphoric state of happiness but demands human victims in return.

This film has gained a reputation over the years as a cult film. It’s easy to see why.  This film is kind of an analogy of the writer and director, Frank Henlotter’s past drug addiction and trying to get clean. 

This is why even though at times, it might go over the top or feel ridiculous. It still feels personal and like it is trying to say something and or mean something.

The film stays campy with practical effects throughout. it also brings you back to a time when horror films were originally about something other than scares and the amount of violence, or necessarily being exploited there didn’t seem to be a set formula as much.

Of course, the film is a bit distasteful at times and dark-humored. Which leads to it being shocking, yet effective. 

The film does offer the highs of the addiction, and how magical and mystical he can feel, but also the downward spiral. Where, despite the amazing highs, they are ultimately bad for you, especially physically, and mentally. Even for those around you.

The film does crossover, or takes place in the same world as Frank Henlotter other films, with even a character from his debut film Brain Damage, making a cameo 

The film’s underground status makes the dangerous fascinating. As the film goes places most mainstream horror, films, or most films rarely do.

The film is not a combination, necessarily of drugs or a movie built on moral hierarchy yet it does show the damage and degradation that an addiction can have on a person.

Though dated the film definitely feels like a breath of fresh air. Especially watching it in modern times. This is definitely a film. I wish I had discovered sooner. Don’t make the same mistake. I did waiting too long to finally watch it.

Grade: B+