Brain Damage

**PKBMax** · 20 Oct 2003, 04:38 AM

This board has some good conversation of Horror and Hong Kong films, but I find that sadly much of the more obscure or older low budget stuff gets ignored, is scorned upon, or is simply unknown to most. Frankly, these are the movies I live for. The bizarre, campy, super-creative low budget masterpieces that have to be seen to be believed.

I've decided to test the water and start some discussions about films you guys may, or may not, have missed. If there's interest, I'll keep going, if not I'll just go back to my hole

"Graphics whores" need not apply, there's no fancy effects in these films.

We'll start with a somewhat well known film from 1988, Frank Henenlotter's (the writer/director of Basket Case) second production Brain Damage. It's the story of a man, Brian, a creature, Alymer, and how life changes when they become mutually dependent upon each other.

Alymer is a small blue slug-like creature that's able to inject people, in the back of the neck, with a highly addictive hallucinogenic drug. Once Brian comes down from his first trip he's forced to make a deal. In order to get the drugs he desires, Alymer has to eat. Unfortunately, he only eats human brains.

What follows is a truly surreal experience, as Almyer sings and jokes his way through several murders. Most notable is a truly incredible scene where Brian decides he is going to quit and locks both him and Alymer into a seedy hotel for detox. This may be one of the most bizarre sequences ever put on film, as Alymer teases and taunts his helpless "friend" who is suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms. Everything about this film is over the top, including it's cartoon like off-the-wall violence.

Brain Damage stands as not only a unique and highly entertaining film, but as an anti-drug statement far more powerful than a million "Just Say No" campaigns.

Synapse has recently re-released the "special edition" DVD which I recommend to anyone that's remotely interested. It contains a hilarious commentary with Mr. Henenlotter that's worth the price of admission alone.

Any fans of this, or any of Frank's other low budget horror/comedy greats?

(Note: Some of this post is a rewording of my comments for this film on IMDB.)

**PKBMax** · 22 Oct 2003, 05:59 PM

Perhaps a review of the DVD and some pictures will spark some interest.

JM · 23 Oct 2003, 11:44 AM

Man, I wish I had more to offer. I saw it years ago, when I was in 4th or 5th grade. One cool tidbit about this movie I have is that my nextdoor neighboor was a video supplier, & he would give me a lot of cool promo stuff, one of which was a rubber brain from this movie. Wish I stil had it, but it got destroyed long ago.

JM

**PKBMax** · 23 Oct 2003, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by JM

Man, I wish I had more to offer. I saw it years ago, when I was in 4th or 5th grade. One cool tidbit about this movie I have is that my nextdoor neighboor was a video supplier, & he would give me a lot of cool promo stuff, one of which was a rubber brain from this movie. Wish I stil had it, but it got destroyed long ago.

JM

Kind of a crazy movie to watch when you're 5!