Title: Basket Case
Directed by: Frank Henenlotter
Starring: Kevin Van Hentenryck, Terri Susan Smith & Beverly Bonner
Running time: 91 minutes, Unrated
Frank Henenlotter’s 1982 cult classic has been released on Blu-ray, presented in the original 16mm camera ratio. The story of conjoined twins that travel to New York City seeking revenge on the doctors who surgically separated them years ago against their consent.
I was about 5 years old when this movie came out, and I remember the posters looking somewhat ominous, but was never allowed to see or rent this film. I forgot completely about this movie until ShockYa gave me a copy. After watching it, I am now satisfied to know that after 29 years, I didn’t miss anything.
I don’t know if people were dumber back in 1982, or maybe I’m just desensitized because I can’t imagine ever considering this a horror film. The mutated blobby brother is just adorable. He’s got a temper and some dental hygiene issues, but he’s cute.
I don’t remember much about the early 80’s, but did everybody have big hair or were they just bad wigs? The claymation style animation when the mutant brother escapes his basket and goes on a rampage really makes you appreciate how much special effects have progressed over the years. Watching those scenes is like seeing a crippled animal; you almost wanna cock your head to the side and say “Aw, sad.”
The special features include commentary by Director Frank Henenlotter, producer Edgar Ievins and actress Beverly Bonner, one really long outtake track with no dialogue, two radio spots, behind the scene photos, trailers & TV spots, and a documentary short on the locations shot for the movie. I found it interesting that Frank Henenlotter revealed in the commentary involving Terri Susan Smith’s character Sharon’s death scene, which the entire crew was so offended by the placement of blood in her pelvic area that they walked off the set.
It’s harder to review an old film without comparing it to modern horror cinema. Younger viewers especially can be quite snobby by making the assumption that low budget equals bad movie. This movie has heart, and you can tell they worked really hard with what they had; and the story isn’t bad either. They could totally remake this movie today and have better special effects while still being low budget; but who the hell wants another remake?
Total Rating: C-
Reviewed by JM Willis
