In the Mouth of Madness

Intro:

As Americans we tend to overly obsess about things too easily. A recent of  example of the trend is Harry Potter. Tons of people everywhere get into Harry Potter WAY too much, but is hasn’t reached an unhealthy point…..yet. Evenually obsession could be the end of us, like in the 1995 release of  John Carpenter’s “In the Mouth of Madness.”

Dialogue:

Most of the dialogue in here is excellent. memorable lines, smart and witty dialogue helped this story pace through very well. All of it flowed very well and was quiet a treat for the time.

Acting:

Sam Neill delivers an excellent performance as John Trent, who incredulous of Cane’s talent, enters the unknown and discovers the source of Cane’s popularity. It is a very natural and believable performance that can give the chills as Neill makes his character to be so easy to be identified with. Jürgen Prochnow and Julie Carmen deliver both excellent performances too, although their characters receive few screen time (even for important supporting roles) as it is truly Neill who carries the film becoming the focus of the story.

Plot:

Inspired by legendary horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, De Luca’s story is a powerful ride to the dark side where the line of fiction and reality disappear. Themes such as the duality of reality and fantasy and the concepts of God and free will are carried through the film’s remarkably well-done script, becoming one of the most interesting, intelligent and insightful horror stories ever put on film. As a tribute to Lovecraft, De Luca captures that atmosphere of dread and madness that was so characteristic of Lovecraft’s works and that no film adaptation of his works has managed to capture.

The first 2/3 of the film are masterful, the old John Carpenter seems to have returned at full force. Effortlessly creating a creepy atmosphere, astounding visuals, some gross-out horror combined with a Chandleresque detective mystery, In the Mouth of Madness seems to be competing for the title of Carpenter’s best ever film. But the final third is a let down, the conclusion not satisfactory and the terribly slow pacing kills the momentum so memorably established before.

Music:

The music was a terrible let down. John Carpenter and Jim Lang did the music for the film, they have worked together on other carpenter films such as “Body Bags”, and have done superb work. For some reason it wasn’t as good composition as i would have hoped for though.

Overall:

Another classic film from John Carpenter. It’s not as great as “The Thing” or “The Prince of Darkness”, but it’ll entertain you none the less. You’ll need to bring your brain with you when you watch this movie. I recommend this final chapter of the Trilogy of the Apocalypse.  Have YOU read any good books lately?

Trailer:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PFcOeM_Usk&feature=related