Cast
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Clare Higgins
as Julia Cotton
Ashley Laurence
as Kirsty Cotton
Sean Chapman
as Frank Cotton
Oliver Smith
as Frank the Monster
Andrew Robinson
as Larry Cotton
Robert Hines
as Steve
Doug Bradley
as Lead Cenobite
Grace Kirby
as Female Cenobite
Nicholas Vince
as Chattering Cenobite
Simon Bamford
as 'Butterball' Cenobite
Anthony Allen
as 1st Victim (uncredited)
Leon Davis
as 2nd Victim (uncredited)
Michael Cassidy
as 3rd Victim (uncredited)
Frank Baker
as Derelict (uncredited)
Kenneth Nelson
as Bill (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Clive Barker
Writer
- Clive Barker
Producer
- Christopher Figg
Reviews
JPV852
Hellraiser is probably one of the lesser of the horror franchises from the 80s behind Halloween (yes, I know that came out in 1978), Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street. This is a movie I’ve seen a few times over the years and while it’s hardly a perfect horror film with a clunky set-up, it’s still a lot of fun as the make-up and effects work perhaps is a bit on the cheesy side yet kind of still holds up in a strange way.
The acting is nothing special, though I did like both Clare Higgins and Ashley Laurence, not to mention Doug Bradley in the role of “Lead Cenobite”, who would later be called Pinhead. Kind fascinating that character was accidentally propelled into being a horror icon as he was only a minor part of the film, though based on his design and overall look, not hard to see why he resonated with horror fans.
Hellraiser, written and directed by Clive Barker based on his novella, isn’t a favorite of mine, as mentioned I lean more toward the more reality based slasher (like Halloween and F13) than the supernatural variety, but still found this to be entertaining as a whole. **3.75/5**
Sep 18, 2019
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller/Fantasy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Hellraiser presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Clive Barker brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Hellraiser took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 71 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Hellraiser shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Captive, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Hellraiser subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dark Sense and Goosebumps: Stay Out of the Basement explore similar territory, Hellraiser stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 11, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Budget: $1,000,000
- Revenue: $14,575,193
Where to Watch
