HorroRated archive entry

Brain Damage

HorroRated pick
HorroRated verdict
Legendary
1980sBody HorrorCreature FeaturePsychologicalIndependent
Directed by
Frank Henenlotter
Written by
Frank Henenlotter
Produced by
Edgar Ievins, Al Eicher, Andre Blay, Ray Sundlin, Charles C. Bennett

Why it’s HorroRated

Frank Henenlotter made Basket Case on no budget and Brain Damage on almost no budget, and somehow this one might be the better film. It works as a horror movie, a dark comedy, and a surprisingly effective addiction metaphor all at once. Aylmer is one of the great creature characters in 80s horror. Grimy, weird, and hard to shake.

Synopsis

Brian is hooked on what Aylmer gives him, but the transaction requires finding appropriate hosts for Aylmer to feed on. Frank Henenlotter uses the arrangement as a drug addiction metaphor that's more effective than it has any right to be. The creature work is inventive and the downtown New York energy grounds the whole thing.

Filed under

Quick facts

Release date
April 15, 1988
Runtime
1 hour 26 mins
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Content rating
R
Entry type
Movie

Tags

Brain Damage trailer