Review of Lord of Illusions (1995) by Craig M — 13 Feb 2014

This is one of my favorite movies. It's a somewhat intricate, but not so convoluted storyline. A superstitious detective is sent to California to investigate an insurance fraud, but is taken by surprise whenever he witnesses the brutal slaying of a former cult member by two cult members. He is then contacted by a mysterious woman, Dorothea Swann, in the cemetery who is somehow connected to the ex-cult member. She does not reveal this connection immediately, but asks Detective D'Amour to investigate the former cult member's death on the behalf of her husband, a successful true magician who disguises his gift as an elaborate theatrical act.

**SPOILER ALERT**.

D'Amour attends one of Philip's magic shows, where Philip is impaled to death on stage. Aware of Philip's connection to the other ex cult member, everyone becomes a suspect. After the show, Harry investigates backstage where he is assailed by two cult members, killing one of them.

At Swann's funeral viewing, Harry confronts the widow, having discovered that she was not completely honest about who she was. Dorothea reveals that she was kidnapped by Nix, the formidable cult leader believed to teach Swann his magic, years earlier and Philip rescued her and, feeling indebted, married him. Philip now presumably dead, Dorothea and Harry sleep together. Phantoms begin appearing and attacking the couple. D'Amour catches Swann wearing a disguise, as he attempts to go into hiding.

Investigating, Harry D'Amour discovers an underworld involving murder, wonder, and esoterism.

I'm generally attracted to Clive Barker movies. No, I don't read graphic novels, but I'm enticed by the supernatural/Occult themes and gritty, grotesquely beautiful visual effects. Watching this movie in the CGI age of movies, it looks very dated, but that's not necessarily a bad thing; it affects an atmospheric ghoulish decadence. There is some good acting in this movie, particularly by Daniel von Bargen. As the charismatic cult leader, he is creepy; after he is resurrected, his performance will make your flesh crawl. The score is also excellent.