I’m not saying in any way that I’m an expert on the Horror genre. No sir, no way. Far better to simply enjoy a film, or type of film in it’s own right rather than compare it to others of it’s ilk. The Evil Dead films on the other hand are different in every respect and are(in my opinion) the be all and end all of horror moves. I can remember peaking round the living room door decades ago while my dad watching the second instalment and recall being *ahem* scared to the point of defecation (if you know what I mean). Some things stay with you (thankfully my bowel control now does) and so I was overjoyed with spine tingling fear when the original Evil Dead was released onto video and now DVD.
The plot itself is in no way special, five college students decide to venture into the woods surrounding the mountains in Tennessee to chill out in a cabin far from the reach of civilisation (hence being shot in Morristown Tennessee). This is how the film starts, kind of like Friday the Thirteenth or the Texas Chainsaw massacre (where you sit back hating the cast and looking forward to some good old student slashing), but as soon as they reach their destination the Evil Dead breaks off from the normal goofing around and dying film. It taking hold of the viewers attention, compelling them to take an active interest in the storyline. The group have been well and truly screwed over, the cabin being a derelict pile of firewood rather than the cosy scenic dream they were expecting. After cutting their losses and making themselves home though they inevitably sift through the stuff left to rot (let’s face it, who wouldn’t) they come across the Necronomicon… The Book of the Dead. The Necronomicon is written in human blood and bound with human flesh, containing knowledge on demons and the undead. Generally not considered light reading, especially when you’re in the middle of nowhere. As well as these are the ancient rites/rituals to reawaken these evil spirits, to turn the hapless students into rented accommodation for evil doings… or something. Conveniently, there is also an old tape recording that details what has found as well as being the catalyst to release the madness to follow.
The film is a gore-fest, with no restriction being put on blood or stomach churning flesh removal. As well as this there is enough, simply horrible, moments such as the “pencil in the leg” bit and the “woman tied by trees” bit that keep you shivering and keeping a low profile rather than shouting advice to the doomed cast.
This film launched the impressive careers of Bruce Campbell who stars as the unlikely hero Ash in all 3 of the Evil Dead films and Sam Raimi, the twisted genius behind the series.
If you’ve an interest in the film or if you have seen it a million times I’d advise purchasing. The film in it’s own right is a classic and watchable over and over again but having the option of commentary from Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell is a must. Their banter alone, describing the ongoings onset as well as the torture Sam put Bruce through during the 3 month shoot, is side-splittingly funny.
Remember…
Queen of Spades. Four of Hearts. Eight of Spades. Two of Spades. Jack of Diamonds. Jack of Clubs!!!
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Production Year: 1998 - Horror - Director: Steve Miner - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Michelle Williams, Adam Arkin, Adam Hann-Byrd, Janet Leigh, L.L. Cool J.
Jan 16th, 2003
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