Film Review: In the Mouth of Madness.

Director: John Carpenter

Earlier in the week I watched "Quatermass and the Pit" (see my previous review) and the name "Hobbs' End" stuck in my head. I was sure I'd heard it before. A quick google later and I realised I'd heard it mentioned in "In the Mouth of Madness" by John Carpenter. It's been ages since I'd seen it - about 15 years - so time for a revisit.

"Hob", with or without the second "b" is an old folk name for the Devil. He who casts no shadow. The one who walks backwards. Old Nick. You get the picture..this guy's got many names. He also appears in quite a few films which may explain why Hobb's End does too. This is the fictional location for this film.

Sutter Cane is a fictional worldwide miracle in the world of horror publishing. His books are read by EVERYONE. It's becoming a problem..fights are breaking out at bookstores if demand cannot be met. Those who read his work are oddly affected...they seem to be losing grip with reality.

Sam Neill plays an insurance investigator who is hired by Charleton Heston no less to find out what really happened to Cane who has gone missing. The publishing house has loose ends that need tying one way or another.

Beginning with Mr Neill's incarceration in a lunatic asylum (not actually named Arkham but anyone who knows Lovecraft who is the inspiration for Sutter Cane will make the natural assumption themselves) we see his story told in flashback. Sam Neil's comedic performance is excellent as the deranged inmate but somehow looses it's impact. I felt it was all to do with the "nameless horrors" and "unspeakable evil" of Lovecraft's Cthulu mythos which is the main theme of the plot. It doesn't really give an actor much to go on....horrified gaping mouths and wild eyes only go so far! When the effects do involve "creatures" they vary from pretty decent to plain silly. Not up to standard of Carpenter's "The Thing" but perhaps the budget didn't allow.

A linear script provides some genuinely creepy moments..the guy on the push-bike. Doesn't sound creepy now but watch the film. You'll know it when you see it!

As for the scene with Mrs Picket....well...that came back to me instantly as I watched it. You know how a really good bit will stick in your mind but you can't remember which film it was in? This did that for me. Perhaps I watch too many films or can't google well enough. It's a great clip anyways.

Without spoiling too much Sam Neill thinks he's sussed the whole shebang. But there's a twist. A real big twist. You'll just have to get a copy!

In conclusion..not the best horror ever but if you like your 90s thrills with a spattering of dodgy animatronics and John Carpenter's distinctive soundtrack (composed and played by the man himself, you know!) you'll enjoy 90 minutes of this.

6/10

Review: Mark Woods, LordBeanpod@GMail.com, November 2008.

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