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The Films of Clive Barker

post #1 of 29
3/18/05 at 7:28am
Thread Starter 
I just thought it would be nice to have a discussion about the films made by Clive Barker (one of my favourite authors).

To my knowledge he has made four features (Hellraiser, Lord of Illusion, Nightbreed, and Candyman.)

All four of these films are basically horror films but all three have a certain quality about them which makes Barker’s work so spectacular.

My pick of the movies would have to be Hellraiser purely because of the richness of the character interaction. Hellraiser despite featuring Pinhead and his other sadomasochistic cenobites is really a family saga, focusing on the Shakespearean implosion of a family….

Candyman comes a close second though as despite being a general slasher picture Barker is able to inject life into the movie through the quality of the mythos and Tony Todd’s dominating performance.

Nightbreed is interesting purely because of the fact it tries to explore prevalent themes in the Barker book, unfortunately the epicness makes it look a little tacky nowadays..but any film with David Cronenberg as a psychotic shrink who kills while wearing a burlap mask is going to be good fun.

Lord of Illusions is interesting purely because it features the bones of characters who will later be in Barker’s books.
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post #2 of 29
3/18/05 at 8:12am
If you don't include his early art movies (Salome, The Forbidden) Barker has only directed three films - Hellraiser, Nightbreed, Lord of Illusions. He produced Candyman, but didn't direct it.

His short story Rawhead Rex was turned into a cheap and cheesy movie back in the 80s (Barker wrote the script), and the Yattering and Jack was used in an episode of Tales From The Darkside. The anthology film Quicksilver Highway had a segment based on The Body Politic from Books of Blood as well.

Personally, much as I love his stuff, I don't think he's suited to the movies. Things that work on his pages just don't translate to film.

Hellraiser remains his most satisfying screen work, because that was the one where he had more control and less expectation. I reviewed the boxset here.

His more ambitious stuff is cheapened by the adaptation process.
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post #3 of 29
3/18/05 at 9:32am
I believe that "Candyman" remains the most well-rounded film based upon his work and certainly deserves better than to be referred to as a glorified "slasher film". "Hellraiser", while unique and brilliant, comes in at second for the weak and under-developed heroine.

Aside from watching Cronenberg's daffy performance, I don't much care for Night Breed, not even as a guilty pleasure.
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post #4 of 29
3/18/05 at 4:16pm
I've always loved Hellraiser and Candyman, but used to despise Nightbreed and Lord of Illusions. However, in both cases, I have grown to love each over time. I am very much looking forward to his upcoming return to film (Tortured Souls, I believe). Apparently he also would like to purchase rights for the Hellraiser/Candyman films back so that he can oversee future installments himself.
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post #5 of 29
4/22/05 at 12:20am

Clive Barker appearing at Fangoria's Weekend NJ Sept 2005

EAST COAST FANGORIA CONVENTION in the NJ/NY USA AREA
September 24 & 25, 2005
Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors
Crowne Plaza Meadowlands
2 Harmon Plaza
Secaucus, NJ 07094
SHOW HOURS
11 am to 6pm daily

TENTATIVE GUESTS

CLIVE BARKER Writer of Hellraiser, Nightbreed, Candyman, Lord of
Illusions and many more. Produced many great genre films and of
course the highly acclaimed GODS AND MONSTERS.

TOM SAVINI One of the most popular of today's horror celebrities,
Tom is regarded as a top make-up and special effects designer for
the genre. He also is seen quite regularly on-screen as an actor and
is a most eagerly sought after speaker at conventions worldwide. It
is always a pleasure to welcome Tom to Fango events!

DEE SNIDER Dee made an indelible mark on rock music as a performer
in TWISTED SISTER and more recently he has turned his talents to the
horror film making arena!

Many more guests to come. Tickets and further details here:
http://www.creationent.com

FOR CALIFORNIA HORROR FANS: FANGORIA'S WEEKEND OF HORRORS IN BURBANK: SEE SITE FOR THE AMAZING GUEST LIST. BURBANK, CALIFORNIA JUNE 25 & 26, 2005

Thanks for reading!
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post #6 of 29
4/22/05 at 1:10am
Nice, though I could do without Dee Snider.
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post #7 of 29
4/22/05 at 7:00am
Im still waiting for my Coldheart Canyon movie
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post #8 of 29
4/22/05 at 11:08am
I thought Cold Heart Canyon was the lowest point in Mr Barkers output. I hated it so much it was like someone had beaten the shit out of me then urinated on my broken and bruised face.
Wasnt there some noise about The Thief of Always being turned into an animated film?
Candyman was great, I saw Hellraiser when i was off my scone on Shrooms and it remains one of the best movie going moments of my life.
I read a thing last year in Variety about The Damnation Game getting green-lit. Anyone?
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post #9 of 29
4/23/05 at 2:30am
I believe you are correct on both counts, though I don't think there has been any movement on Thief recently.
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post #10 of 29
4/26/05 at 9:26am
Although not made by Barker I do hold a small place in my heart for Rawhead Rex. Mainly because it was one of the first horrorfilms I saw on vhs and I was way too young to see it really. I particuarly remember the scene where Rex comes running out of the barn after the farmer (viewed by his wife from the kitchen) with boggling LED eyes akimbo.

That stuff was really scary when you were a kid!
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post #11 of 29
4/26/05 at 2:37pm
A lot of people (including Clive Barker himself) say they think the Rawhead Rex creature looks crap, i really don´t understand this, i think he looks great!
The monster is the only cool thing about this weak film.
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post #12 of 29
4/29/05 at 7:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashxking2001
Im still waiting for my Coldheart Canyon movie
You and me both. I saw that one totally in my head as I was reading it.
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post #13 of 29
4/30/05 at 5:52am
I remember seeing some production art for a movie Barker was attached to called "The Thief of Always". I guess it never got made though. It had kind of a "Dark Crystal" vibe to it.
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post #14 of 29
5/6/05 at 9:09am
going back to night breed, has anyone heard any more rumours about the extended directors cut of that movie that is aparently in the works???
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post #15 of 29
5/6/05 at 1:09pm
I've been only hearing rumors that it's coming, but I don't see much action. CliveBarker.com hasn't been updated since last summer, as I've checked in to see if any news was there. There was also a Sci-Fi channel miniseries suppossedly coming out based on some of his other work (maybe it already did) but I don't remember the title nor have I heard anything new on this. seems awful quiet in Barker's world.

As an aside, I also have great memories of watching Rawhead Rex as a kid and even though it is cheesy nowadays, I couldn't resist watching it if it popped back up one night in the channel guide. The trailer park scene was memorable, I was pretty scared as a 10 year old.
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post #16 of 29
5/8/05 at 1:19am
lord of illusions had so much potential, but it turned out more like a tv movie ( ironic that it was set to beome a tv show, and at one point, to be shot in australia!) i think that character of d'amour is fantastic, and i loved him turning up in different barker books, but i think the ultimate barker book/movie combo would be a filmed version of his soon to be released new hellraiser book, with harry d'amour.
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post #17 of 29
9/8/06 at 5:45am
I wish Hellraiser was tighter story-wise. I like the idea of blood replenishing Frank, but how first drop gets to him is a bit far fetched. Then there's the whole "wearing another person's skin" aspect which works for me even less. At least the performances are good...
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post #18 of 29
9/8/06 at 6:05am
I wish Hellraiser was tighter story-wise. I like the idea of the blood replenishing Frank, but how it first gets to him is a bit contrived. I'm also think the "wearing another person's skin" aspect is sort of dumb. At least the performances are good...
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post #19 of 29
9/8/06 at 6:06am
I wish Hellraiser was tighter story-wise. I like the idea of the blood replenishing Frank, but how it first gets to him is a bit contrived. I'm also think the "wearing another person's skin" aspect is sort of dumb. At least the performances are good...
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post #20 of 29
9/8/06 at 6:07am
I wish Hellraiser was tighter story-wise. I like the idea of the blood replenishing Frank, but how it first gets to him is a bit contrived. I'm also think the "wearing another person's skin" aspect is sort of dumb. At least the performances are good...
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post #21 of 29
9/8/06 at 6:07am
I wish Hellraiser was tighter story-wise. I like the idea of the blood replenishing Frank, but how it first gets to him is a bit contrived. I'm also think the "wearing another person's skin" aspect is sort of dumb. At least the performances are good...
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post #22 of 29
9/8/06 at 6:13am
Argh, sorry about that. I kept trying to post the message, but the thread wasn't appearing at the top of the page at first when I refreshed. I'm not as inept as I look right now, I promise.

*cries out in vain*
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post #23 of 29
9/8/06 at 6:29am
Not strictly concerning Barker's films, but many of the images in Weaveworld have stayed with me in the 15 years or so since I first read it. SFX technology wouldn't have done it justice when it first came out, but I think they could make a good stab at it now. However, the story is probably more suited to a miniseries than to a 2 hour film.

On the other hand, The Damnation Game might make a decent tense thriller with supernatural overtones.
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post #24 of 29
9/8/06 at 8:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gabriel Williams
Not strictly concerning Barker's films, but many of the images in Weaveworld have stayed with me in the 15 years or so since I first read it. SFX technology wouldn't have done it justice when it first came out, but I think they could make a good stab at it now. However, the story is probably more suited to a miniseries than to a 2 hour film.
Weaveworld also boasts one of the best prologues ever written. I actually paraphrased several paragraphs (about "no stories ever beginning or ending") for a best man speech at a friend's wedding. His grandmother actually came up to me in tears and congratulated me on it. His 19 year horror addict brother was the only one who called me out on it.
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post #25 of 29
9/8/06 at 8:23am
Thief of Always looked to be interesting. Hellraiser is a seminal classic. It is Barker as he writes, although its dated badly and the increasingly stupid sequels have taken away its impact by providing bigger spectacle and stupid plotting (Pinhead has essentially become Michael/Jason/Freddy).

Candyman was a very nicely made film looking into urban legends and Barkers theme of pushing boundaries too far and what happens. It is also the only one where actual ACTING occurs.

Lord of Illusions had a lot of potential, but it ws cheaply made and the casting was all wrong. D'Amour as a TV series, without Scott Bakula, and inspired by Barkers themes - couldve worked. The film was instantly forgettable though (all I remember is Famke Jansen...mwrow).

I have to say NightBreed is probably my favourite - it reached too far for its capabilities but it is by far the biggest achievement and, although overlooked, did have a few more flashes of genius than the others.
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post #26 of 29
9/8/06 at 8:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yas
I have to say NightBreed is probably my favourite - it reached too far for its capabilities but it is by far the biggest achievement and, although overlooked, did have a few more flashes of genius than the others.
Nightbreed failed because some producer watched Freddy and Chucky, and decided they needed a humor element to it. It killed the whole vibe from the source story "Cabal", despite how close they stayed to the original prose. All of the leads were completly miscast, save Cronenberg's interesting take on Decker.

In reality, it was only saved from being a complete disaster thanks to the brilliant makeup effects crew.
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post #27 of 29
9/8/06 at 11:18am
I've always enjoyed Lord of Illusions - maybe because it was the only Barker film I had the opportunity to see in theaters (I was, at the time, really into him). The same goes for Nightbreed, though I haven't watched it in years and I wasn't overly critical of anything I watched at the time.

I remember getting to ask Barker a few questions on IRC back in '96ish before the internet really took off - back when The Cabinet of Dr. Casey was the only great horror resource on the net. Too cool.
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post #28 of 29
9/8/06 at 12:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Death Surge
Nightbreed failed because some producer watched Freddy and Chucky, and decided they needed a humor element to it. It killed the whole vibe from the source story "Cabal", despite how close they stayed to the original prose. All of the leads were completly miscast, save Cronenberg's interesting take on Decker.

In reality, it was only saved from being a complete disaster thanks to the brilliant makeup effects crew.
I didnt think the humour element was too bad, in fact the stoic nature of Barkers writing needed someting to make it more cinematic. I do have to say that almost every role was miscast, apart from some of the breed (red porcupine head was cool, as was old tatooed granpa).

The standout was indeed Cronenberg as Decker, coupled with the make up and the mythology that remained intact from Cabal that warm me to this flick above the rest. Its the only one I would like to see remade and reimagined one day - perhaps as a tv show. There is a large enough cast of characters and potential storylines for each.
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post #29 of 29
9/8/06 at 1:34pm
Yet to see Nightbreed (due to lack of any kind of UK release)

Hellraiser is obviously great- although I've always looked at it as naturally going together with the second installment, which I always thought of as a very worthy sequal (and, of course, had Barker producing).

I quite liked Lord of Illusions, too. One or two effects were ropy, and the film never quite stood out enough, but it's nontheless an interesting little piece with some nice bits of imagery.

Candyman is just plain excellent, though I'm as much inclined to attirbute that to the director, Bernard Rose, as anything else. I have anohter film of his called Paperhouse which is very worth a look.
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