#3 - Nightbreed (1990)
(dir. Clive Barker)
Out of the three films that Clive Barker directed, this one is probably the strangest. Boone, a young man with a history of psychological problems, is convinced by his doctor that he may be a serial killer. He dreams of a place called Midian, filled with monsters called "nightbreed" who are hiding from the world. Thinking himself a monster as well, he sets out to find Midian and join the creatures living there. Considered a cult classic by many, this film has a lot going for it. Imaginative and original creature design, often fantastic cinematography (oddly, it ends with a shot that reminded me very much of Gone With the Wind), and a great score by Danny Elfman.
It is far from perfect though, and the main problem is in the pacing. I watched the recently released "Director's Cut", which adds quite a bit to the original theatrical version, but it still feels off. Despite Midian's importance to the plot, not nearly enough time is spent showing Boone interacting with the residents. He initially isn't entirely trusted, and then the film sort of jumps ahead to him being a hero without any real explanation. After glossing over what should have been the most interesting part of the story, the film basically turns into an action movie, and the climax goes on for way too long.
Also worth mentioning is that Barker uses the film as an interesting metaphor for how society treats outsiders, in particular the gay community. The Midians, despite being (mostly) peaceful, are rejected and hated by society simply for being different. The fact their home is located out in the boondocks near a small country town makes it even worse, and the climax features a mob of rednecks and cops who gleefully hunt down and murder the Midians. Not particularly subtle, but it is an issue that horror films don't often address, especially at the time this was made.
I think any horror fan should check this one out, just be aware that it isn't a perfect film. The good outweighs the bad though, in my opinion, and it's worth it for the visuals and score alone. Definitely recommended.
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