Review of The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988) by Lafe F — 17 Aug 2007

A solid effort from Wes Craven. I think he attempted to legitimize his whole horror shtick with this film, at least within the eyes of critics. The thing is... it didn't need legitimizing.

This is no more or less thematically strong than prior works by Mr. Craven. And like his earlier works, Craven puts great thematic emphasis on the final act of violence in the film. Voodoo has the power to control men's souls as governments have the power to control their bodies. Freeing the souls is a symbolic act of freeing the world of governmental oppression, namely in Haiti where the film is set. This point is reinforced by the juxtaposition of the freed souls attacking their captor just as the people revolt and topple the oppressive regime that rules over them.

This film then seeks to be transcendent of it's horror roots--it's more-so a socio-political statement than it is horror. But really as such, it's only ho-hum. It's certainly very enjoyable, but the element of fear is lacking throughout a good portion. It just feels dry which I suppose can be attributed to it's loftier ambitions. The opening of the film as well is hasty and confusing and it takes a good ten minutes before the film begins to fall in to place and make any amount of sense. It just doesn't have a cohesive opening.

I must say I loved the hallucination sequence at the end. It was very Dali meets Giger; surreal and terrifying.

All in all, this is a solid film, though not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination. I'd recommend it only for die-hard Craven fans and those with interest in voodoo.

Oh and this film pulls a Texas Chainsaw Massacre by claiming a true story. I call bullshit of course. Nice try Mr. Craven. I dare say the only truth was that a man went to Haiti in the 80s looking for a voodoo powder that simulated death.