In the world of horror films that mostly rely upon jump scares and predictable plotlines, Damien Leone's"Terrifier," his film from 2016 "Terrifier" comes as an unexpected breath of fresh air. With its harrowing practical effects, bone-chilling performances from Art the Clown by David Howard Thornton, and a stunning result on a limited budget "Terrifier" will cement its position as a modern beloved classic among those who love horror. Despite its underground status it has been well received by both the critics and the fans in proving that real horror can still be accomplished with the right amount of imagination and commitment. This review seeks to offer the most thorough analysis of "Terrifier" to be found, diving into the aspects that make it one of the most terrifying horror movie villains of the 21st century.Plot
The film tells the story of two friends Tara (Jenna Kanell) and Dawn (Catherine Corcoran) as they encounter the insidious and silent Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) on Halloween night. As the night unfolds, Art's games of scheming become more violent, and the two friends must battle to survive the cruel attack. The story may not be groundbreaking but it's the perfect vehicle to display it's greatest strengths it's the terrifying entity called Art the Clown.
Techniques for Creating Effects and Images of Horror
One thing that stands out in "Terrifier" has to be its commitment to using practical effects. In an age where CGI is the preferred method for filmmakers, Leone's decision utilize practical effects not only harkens back to classic terror, but also creates the feel of a tangible, visceral quality to the gore. The creative and disturbingly grisly kills are a testament to how creative the special effects crew, which is led by Leone himself who has a background as a makeup artist in SFX makeup. From the horrific dismemberment of an character to the horrific facial mutilations performed by another "Terrifier" breaks the boundaries of violence on screen and provides the most horrifying and terrifying experience.
David Howard Thornton's disturbing performance as Art the Clown
The main thing about (blog post) "Terrifier" that sets it apart and other horror film is the incredibly unsettling performance of David Howard Thornton as Art the Clown. Thornton's portrayal of the silent, menacing character is an absolute source of nightmares. With his white face paint the exaggerated smile and dark eyes, Art the Clown is visually stunning and has a look of malice that is evident in every move.
Thornton's physical acting is exceptional with his mastery of facial expressions and body language that make Art's every action terrifying. His performance is enhanced by the silence of the dialogue, leaving the actor solely on his body and face to convey Art's sinister intentions. The silence only enhances the character's frightening presence which makes him one the most terrifying horror film villains of the 21st century.
The Film's Budget is Limited: A testament to creativity and resourcefulness
Another great thing about "Terrifier" was its ability to deliver a truly terrifying experience for a budget-conscious. The film was made for around $100,000, a just a tiny fraction of what horror movies cost to make. Despite this, Leone has managed to create an aesthetically stunning and deeply disturbing experience that competes with the best horror films with higher budgets.
The filmmakers' ability to think outside the box can be seen in the film's stark, urban setting that conveys the feeling of loneliness and vulnerability. Additionally, the budget constraints could have contributed to the decision using practical effects which, as mentioned previously just enhance the overall impact of the film.
The Critical Reception as well as the Fan Response
"Terrifier" has been very well-received by film critics and viewers, and has achieved an avid following within the community of horror. It has received praise from critics with its original effects, Thornton's chilling performance as Art the Clown, and its capacity to provide an extremely terrifying experience on very little money. The fans of the genre have embraced the film because of its brutality without apology, unsettling atmosphere as well as its memorable villain.
Conclusion
In the end, Damien Leone's "Terrifier" is an exemplary instance of what can be made with imagination, determination, and a deep understanding of what makes horror truly frightening. With its horrifying effects on the practical, David Howard Thornton's unsettling portrayal of Art the Clown, and its impressive accomplishment on an extremely limited budget "Terrifier" was able to earn its place in the top scary films from the twenty-first century. For those who love the genre this film isn't to be put off.
Director: Damien Leone
Starring: David Howard Thornton, Jenna Kanell, Samantha Scaffidi
Launch Date: 15 October 2016
Score: 99 out of 100