Eraserhead – horror unlike nothing you’ve seen before

Horror movies have become pretty formulaic these days.  They consist of either zombies, a masked killer, or a spooky entity terrorising a family.  Even the better ones that subverted those sub-genres were still instantly recognisable as what they were and any that were hailed as ‘original’ were most likely remakes from Japanese films.  However, back before CGI blood had become the norm and a group of five American teens could go on a road trip to the middle of nowhere without being picked off by pitchfork-wielding locals, came David Lynch’s horror masterpiece, ‘Eraserhead.’

I guess it could be described as a bit of a ‘passion project’ as it took him years to make, due to him filming it while he studied/worked other jobs and generally did his best to get this movie financed.  Now, you can probably tell that I’m a fan, however I will admit that no matter how much it appeals to me, it’s definitely not for everyone.  You could almost call it an ‘art film’ as it’s filmed entirely in black and white and has little to no dialogue.  The story – or at least what we can tell is a story – centres around a young, downtrodden man called Henry (played by long term friend and actor of David Lynch, Jack Nance) as he shuffles back and forth to and from his job to his flat in what looks like some sort of post apocalyptic industrial landscape.  It’s a bleak and meaningless existence for a man in a bleak and meaningless environment.  I think the black and white adds to the overall mood of the tale.  Whatever is really happening in Henry’s world, he is merely a small cog in a much larger machine.  However, just because his life is bleak doesn’t seem to make it dull.  He does seem to have a girlfriend.  I use the word ‘seem’ as their relationship is never made truly clear.  And, upon meeting her parents for the first time, discovers that there’s a baby at the hospital and he’s going to have to help look after it.

Now, this may not sound like the most sinister and horrific story ever told.  However, I may have slightly overlooked some of the other things that occur.  For example… the ‘mini chickens’ Henry eats at his potential inlaws’ house appears to be alive.  The baby is a deformed freakish-looking thing that may or may not even be human.  It whines continuously and there’s a lady living in his radiator with bizarre cheeks who crushes slithering worm-like creatures underfoot.  Yes, it’s weird.  But then this comes from the mind of David Lynch – the man who eventually went on to give us Twin Peaks, Lost Highway, Mullholland Drive and almost every other twisted, surreal modern nightmare ever put down on film.

Now, as I say, it’s not for everyone.  It’s hardly a ‘date movie’ and most people will probably be either bored or confused (or both).  It’s very slow.  It doesn’t make as much sense as most films with their classic Hollywood narratives and overall many will find it just too damn weird to be watchable.  However, if you’re in the mood for something a little different (and when I say ‘different’ I mean horrifically different!) then ‘Eraserhead’ is certainly a film that has to be watched to be experienced.  Whether you end up loving it or hating it, it will definitely stick in your mind for many years to come.

10/10 The Monty Python Knights of Camelot are currently looking for this