Review: “Hellraiser (1987)” by Clive Barker (Ashley Laurence)

PODCAST:

S3E8M – Hellraiser (movie)*

SHOW NOTES:

Four men and one brave women gathered to discuss the film “Hellraiser” (and possibly play Hungry Hungry Hippos). In a freakish act of pleasantness everyone more or less agreed that the movie was enjoyable and worth watching.

The group discussed how the major flaw with the movie was that it did not explain the motivations of the central characters. However, it did bring forth vivid imagery that created one of the most everlasting horror icons, “Pinhead.” Overall, the differences, strengths and weaknesses of the movie compared to the book were discussed. Of particular interest was the production and effects of the movie, which the entire group found worthy of admiration.

While there was some trademark filibustering and ignoring the discussion remained oddly civil. We look forward to seeing you next time, in whatever dimension you summon us to. So remember, when you open your puzzle box, sprinkle some baby powder over it—because there is no deodorant in outer space (and there is even less in Hell)!

-Wilk

WRITTEN FILM REVIEWS:

Movie: “Hellraiser (1987)” by Clive Barker (Ashley Laurence)

Ryan: 4 Stars “…I don’t think it’s perfect, but I do think it’s better than the book…”

Wilk:  4 1/2 Stars “…it’s not Jaws, but its a very good movie…”

Rick: 5 Stars “…just because it’s one of a kind and nothing like this has ever been done before in the history of movie making…”

Laura (guest): 4 3/4 Stars “…it could have been better, but at the same time it’s just such a classic it’s hard to not give it 5 stars…”

Beam (guest): 5 Stars “…I f***ing love Clive Barker, I always have…”

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FUN FACTOIDS:

The hosts on this episode metioned an old interview with Clive Barker from 1987 which took place after the Hungerford Massacre in the UK. During this TV program called “Open to Question,” the author is put to questions by college kids grilling him about violence in horror films: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOqaKgrbjfQ.

The real stars of this film were the Cenobites. We discussed this gruesome group to great length during the episode and even mentioned that one the monsters has a freeze framer error where wheels can be seen during the video. This website article by Jack Incongruente has the pictures and animated gifs of that error here: http://www.jackincongruente.com/en/23-fun-facts-about-hellraiser-1987-movie/.

We also discussed the book art that Clive Barker painted to go with the standalone version of this novella. The artwork can be viewed two ways:

 

* DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that the views and opinions of the hosts and guests of NDIOS are completely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of the other hosts and guests or that of NDIOS.