Film Review — Hellraiser (1987)
★★★☆☆
A young woman encounters a group of interdimensional sadomasochists summoned by her deranged uncle via a mysterious puzzle box.
A memorable, if flawed chiller. Think erotic daytime TV, thrown in a blender with The Evil Dead.
Author Clive Barker brings his own hellish creation to life, demonstrating surprising directorial talent considering his lack of experience behind the camera. The decision to change location in post-production results in an odd blended American-British aesthetic with supporting characters heavily, and distractingly dubbed over.
These issues aside the horror elements remain effective years later, particularly the disgusting practical effects, and Doug Bradley’s verbose Pinhead is iconic for good reason.
Director: Clive Baker
Starring: Ashley Laurence, Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Doug Bradley
Cinematography: Robin Vidgeon
Music: Christopher Young
Running time: 93 mins
Release year: 1987
BBFC rating: 18 for strong bloody violence
