Review of Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) by Paul J — 16 Jun 2010

There's a part of me that wants to rate this film even higher. I applaud the risks it took. Granted, there are many viewers who felt that the filmmakers crossed a line and even the director is regretful of his lack of responsibility towards the consequences the film would bring.

That said, it's definitely a cut-above your average slasher film. The direction is more than competent. The cinematography is at times inventive and certain actors are actually very good. Who can forget the Grandpa? The kids are also pretty natural.

Speaking of kids, this is probably where the film is most unsettling. To some, Christmas is not only sacred and religious, it also instantly reminds us of childhood innocence. This movie shits all over that innocence.

It's so friggin' twisted! The violence is more brutal than usual, the nudity extremely gratuitous and the story and concept would have totally freaked me out as a child. For once I can understand why so many parents wanted to have it banned (and much to the screenwriter's chagrin, they succeeded.

) That said, it has morbidly become my new favorite Christmas movie, alongside another 1984 film - Gremlins; as well as the more recent brilliant black comedy, Bad Santa.