Review of Lifeforce (1985) by Todd H — 25 Jan 2009

Tobe Hooper loves stairs, hallways, television sets, and backlighting in his films from the 1980s. This film, shot similar to his earlier frightfest "Poltergeist", works best when Hooper keeps the pace methodical and the mood eerie.

(The DVD international version maintains these characteristics much better than the choppy, 15-minutes shorter Tri-Star version released in theaters.) The British actors are all fine; American Steve Railsback overacts the part of the tortured shuttle commander who has some mysterious link to the aliens.

Mathilda May is, of course, beautifully seductive as the lead alien. Several scenes are just plain goofy (especially those involving zombies in the final act), but the production design, 1980's visual effects, and cinematography are all first rate.

This isn't Shakespeare, but it is exploitive, gruesome fun.