There’s so much to cover, I doubt I’ll be able to cover it all. First off, when you send me free shit with the movie (especially a poster), I’m already in. I don’t get excited over new movies and docs very often these days. Most of the time, I walk away disappointed. With this one…Not only was I eager to watch it, but at the same time I’m thinking “Don’t fuck it up guys.”
I’m protective of the 80’s in a psychotic way. Growing up in bad neighborhoods, having an abusive childhood, and really having nothing positive to cling to in the real world, music and movies were my only real escape. Movies especially. I’ve been a devoted Horror fan since I was about 5. The 80’s were probably the last great decade for Horror. It has a huge place in my heart. Ok…let’s talk bout the movie.
4 ½ hours long. Fucking awesome. Going in chronological order starting with 1980 and ending with 1989. They discuss some highlighted movies through cast and crew interviews, showing trailers and clips. They also find time to discuss pop culture, how important visual effects artists were, Holiday Horror, music and heavy metal soundtracks, cover art, etc. They didn’t miss a beat. They didn’t rush through it like most Horror documentaries do. They took they’re time, and gave it the love it deserves.
Most Horror documentaries do fact checking interviews (Nightmares in Red, White and Blue, American Nightmare). Nothing wrong with that. Cast and crew in Darkness share personal stories. Stories that are incredibly similar to my own. Example: Heather Wixson shares her Terror in the Aisles story. I have a real similar one. Except using the poster, I had a used copy, and would write all the titles down at the end credits, go to the store and say “ok…what’s next on the list.”
Not a weak interview in the bunch. Everyone from Kelli Maroney, Joe Bob Briggs, Barbara Crampton, Jeffrey Combs, Heather Langencamp, Corey Taylor, Elvira, Doug Bradley, etc. Alex Winters interview was especially fascinating, especially when he discusses Videodrome.
One of the things that hit real close to home, was the fact they gave love to movies that are still unknown. Near Dark is a big one to me. Q the Winged Serpent, Ghost Story, Monster Squad, the whole Charlie Band era. As cheesy as it sounds, it really was like reliving the 80’s all over again. I can’t add up the amount of hours I spent at the local video stores. After my mothers boyfriends would go through they’re drunken rampage. I’d take me and my bruises down to the mom and pop video store and escape through the cover art for a couple of hours.
Horror documentaries could be a real emotional experience for a die hard fan. To be passionate about something and not being able to share it with others in the outside world, could be real depressing. Horror docs let you know that you’re not alone. Cast and crew is saying everything you’re thinking with the same amount of passion.
One of the segments that hit real close to home was the Heavy Metal soundtracks. I owned all those soundtracks on vinyl, and played them to death. These were not chart topping soundtracks. None of these were getting MTV or radio play. So…I really was the only that loved these soundtracks. Corey going on about the Trick or Treat soundtrack was my favorite. I have fought others defending that album when I was a kid. I turned down a date to the school dance so I can see it in theaters. The next day, I rode my bike to Tower and bought the album, and still blast it in my home today.
As I said Saturday, this really did bring a tear to my eye. Showing me things I haven’t seen in years (like the HBO intro). Darkness was clearly made by fans. Even today, I can’t really share stories with other fans today. They’re too young to know what I’m talking about, and they’re level of storytelling begins and ends with streaming. I still get a lot of shit today, for being a collector. One of the few that insists on having a hard copy of the movie. The comfort and passion I feel thumbing through my collection, making my decision based off the cover art. Having my own mom and pop video store in my home. Darkness discusses that and shares my views on today’s lifeless streaming.
Until I saw this Never Sleep Again: Elm Street Legacy was my favorite. That just got bumped to number 2. I came close several times over the weekend, inviting others over to watch it and say “This is what I’ve been fucking talking about.”
Even during the 80’s, I felt I was on my own with this one. Even though we were surrounded by this culture (shit…even 7-Eleven was renting Horror films), I was the only one in my environment that gave a shit. So, despite the fact that I’m rocking middle age now, I still get choked up when I see others share practically the same stories I have. Almost as if they’ve been following me around through my whole childhood, and then reciting it back to me.
Director David Weiner did an amazing job keeping it consistent, well balanced and making sure nothing got missed. This is what a documentary should be. I never understood why most docs feel they have to wrap it up like a standard movie. It’s not a movie. It’s a piece on American culture. There’s a lot to cover. Don’t be so eager.
If you’re a Horror geek and child of the 80’s, you might want to bring a box of Kleenex. You will literally relive that decade. If you’re a youngster that knows nothing about past films, open your mind, and get educated. I truly hope this is the first of a series of volumes. I would love to see them cover the 70’s. I would love to see them cover Action films of the 80’s (which they did briefly on this).
Awesome job guys! A priceless addition to my collection. If it was on VHS I would’ve worn it out by now. A poetic love letter to an amazing decade.
– G.R.E.E.N.B.A.N.K.
MORBID MOVIE MEMOIRS: VHS GENERATION 