some of the best practical effects in a horror movie
Hellraiser
Demon to some. Angel to others.
Rating
4.3 (2)
Release Date
9/11/1987Runtime
94 minsOverview
Hedonist Frank Cotton finds a mysterious puzzle box that summons the Cenobites, who open the doors to a dominion where pain and pleasure are indivisible.
Status
ReleasedOriginal Language
EnglishBudget
$1,000,000Revenue
$14,575,193Homepage
-
How It Feels
Read from this film's synopsis, keywords and credits, and used to work out what it sits beside.
A visually baroque descent into a realm where sensation itself becomes horrifying and seductive. Clive Barker fashions an art-horror experience that revels in transgression while treating its dark mythology with genuine philosophical weight.
Mood
Dread-soakedUnsettling
Themes
Obsession
Tone
Operatic
Pacing
Slow-burn
Look
PainterlyHigh-contrastPractical effects
Structure
Single location
Heads up
Graphic violenceSexual contentBody horror
Clare Higgins
Julia Cotton
Ashley Laurence
Kirsty Cotton
Sean Chapman
Frank Cotton
Oliver Smith
Frank the Monster
Andrew Robinson
Larry Cotton
Robert Hines
Steve
Doug Bradley
Lead Cenobite
Grace Kirby
Female Cenobite
Nicholas Vince
Chattering Cenobite
Simon Bamford
'Butterball' Cenobite
Anthony Allen
1st Victim (uncredited)
Leon Davis
2nd Victim (uncredited)
Recent Reviews
Hellraiser.
Remastered.
4K.
In Theaters.Watching this classic on the big screen is something that everyone should experience, this time thanks to Fathom Events.
Clive Barker’s classic 1987 film, a mix of romance and horror, introduced us to Pinhead, one of horror’s most iconic figures. Credited as “Lead Cenobite,” his name (Pinhead) took shape after its release. While the series declined as time went on (<i>Hellraiser: Revelations </i>is an absolute disgrace), the first film still holds up almost 40 years later, and continues to serve as an influence to many.
Thank you, Clive Barker, for this gem and inviting us into your beautiful, twisted world.
(Please also watch my favorite Clive Barker film, <b><i>Nightbreed</i></b>).
Where to begin with this horror gem? Clive Barker's <I>Hellraiser</i> is a masterpiece, a mix between horror and romance while also introducing us to the Cenobites, lead by Pinhead (who was credited as "Lead Cenobite"). What makes this film so appealing is that it's not only dark and mysterious, but there are many stories being shown/told from those who have gained access to the box (also known as the Lament Configuration), which summons the Cenobites.
The film launched a popular franchise, giving us eight films starring Doug Bradley as Pinhead, and then two additional films (sans Bradley) that were not well-received by both critics and fans. In 2022, Hulu <A HREF="https://boxd.it/bg7S">developed a reboot with a female Pinhead</a> (Jamie Clayton), once again taking the franchise in a new direction.
(<A HREF="https://boxd.it/4UdfnB">Originally published on LG OLED's Letterboxd</A>)
Happy 35th birthday, you beautiful thing.
Popular Reviews
some of the best practical effects in a horror movie
Hellraiser.
Remastered.
4K.
In Theaters.Watching this classic on the big screen is something that everyone should experience, this time thanks to Fathom Events.
Clive Barker’s classic 1987 film, a mix of romance and horror, introduced us to Pinhead, one of horror’s most iconic figures. Credited as “Lead Cenobite,” his name (Pinhead) took shape after its release. While the series declined as time went on (<i>Hellraiser: Revelations </i>is an absolute disgrace), the first film still holds up almost 40 years later, and continues to serve as an influence to many.
Thank you, Clive Barker, for this gem and inviting us into your beautiful, twisted world.
(Please also watch my favorite Clive Barker film, <b><i>Nightbreed</i></b>).
Where to begin with this horror gem? Clive Barker's <I>Hellraiser</i> is a masterpiece, a mix between horror and romance while also introducing us to the Cenobites, lead by Pinhead (who was credited as "Lead Cenobite"). What makes this film so appealing is that it's not only dark and mysterious, but there are many stories being shown/told from those who have gained access to the box (also known as the Lament Configuration), which summons the Cenobites.
The film launched a popular franchise, giving us eight films starring Doug Bradley as Pinhead, and then two additional films (sans Bradley) that were not well-received by both critics and fans. In 2022, Hulu <A HREF="https://boxd.it/bg7S">developed a reboot with a female Pinhead</a> (Jamie Clayton), once again taking the franchise in a new direction.
(<A HREF="https://boxd.it/4UdfnB">Originally published on LG OLED's Letterboxd</A>)
Happy 35th birthday, you beautiful thing.
Hellraiser Collection
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