Review of Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) by Sam P — 11 Apr 2012

I remember when I watched a documentary a few months ago that a lot of controversy surrounded the making of this film due to the use of âSanta Clausâ? as the killer. Getting ready to sit down to the film, I expected a boring and overtly violent horror film with no redeemable qualities.

Whilst there was some violence, and scenes with topless women, as expected in a horror film, the most interesting aspect was how the villain came to be. If anything, the villain could count as the victim, finally driven to his actions after a breakdown. As a 5 year old boy he was told how Santa Claus punishes the wicked and evil, and then saw his parents murdered by âSanta Clausâ?, actually a robber. After that he was brought up alongside his baby brother in an orphanage ran by an uncaring Nun, often beaten told âthe wicked will be punishedâ?.

Eventually growing up to be an 18 year old with severe mental issues relating to Christmas and Santa Claus punishing the wicked, he kills an attempted rapist, and that leads to his breakdown, killing other âwicked peopleâ?. What I liked about this is that the killer didnâ(TM)t commit any murders until 30 minutes in, allowing the villain to be built up and give him reasoning & motive.

For this aspect of the story alone, I would gladly watch this horror film again, in appreciation for the character aspect. I feel it is a good solid horror film from the â~80â(TM)s, much better then I ever expected, and would gladly watch again.