Review of Hellraiser (1987) by Jenn M — 01 Nov 2009

I've always been a big fan of the Hellraiser series, mostly because it is what it is. The first two films, in particular, are some of the most visceral, gory, and flat out terrifying films I have ever seen. I've always preferred the first, though, because it was the one that came first. The acting isn't particularly strong, apart from, of course, Doug Bradley as the Lead Cenobite, aka Pinhead, but that's not why this film is special. It's the atmosphere, the aura that this film possesses, that puts it over the top as one of the defining horror films of its era.

This atmosphere is accomplished with an all-out assault of the senses. Visually, the gore and special effects take center stage, and, while certain scenes work better than others, it almost all works, especially when you consider when the film was made. Meanwhile, Christopher Young, with his score for this film, created the most incredible soundtrack ever made for a horror film, and one of the few scores I have ever heard that has actually scared me.

As a side note, even though I really don't have a lot against the idea of remaking some of the horror classics, I think Hellraiser is one of those films that just should not ever be touched. There's no way any filmmaker today will come close to the atmosphere created by Clive Barker in 1987, because it will feel forced when compared to the terror and magic created the first time out. Please, focus your sights on other films and LEAVE HELLRAISER ALONE.