Review of The Dark Half (1993) by Jay N — 30 Oct 2013
Every narrative writer is faced with a predicament in how to navigate the conclusion of his story. Shall he embrace the optimistic side of his personality with a love-conquers-all finale or shall he trek down the nihilistic path? In the brooding 'The Dark Half', the devalued Timothy Hutton stunningly plays both Thad and George in quaking dual performances.
George is a frightening Southern gent who is endowed with a gallows sense of humor ("What's going on here?" "A murder. You want some?"). Any collaboration between George Romero and Stephen King is a plausible reason for rejoice among horror fans and like their anthology picture 'Creepshow', 'The Dark Half' is a rakish, darkly funny thriller that rummages through philosophical quandaries around the physical manifestation of one's inner demons and a writer's dependent relationship with his material.
Even though Romero utilizes Thad's twin babies as child-in-danger plights, it doesn't nosedive into exploitation. The sparrow attack is a tad heavy-handed and needlessly gore-drenched, but the rest of 'The Dark Half' is a spooky showcase for the versatile talents of Hutton.
This review of The Dark Half (1993) was written by Jay N on 30 Oct 2013.
The Dark Half has generally received mixed reviews.
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