'The dead have highways, highways that lead to intersections, and intersections that spill into our world. If you should find yourself at one of these intersections you should stop and listen. Because the dead have stories to tell'.
Directed by John Harrison
Starring: Jonas Armstrong, Sophie Ward, Doug Bradley
Released: 28th September 2009
Concept
Another film based on the works of Clive Barker. Book of Blood, based on the novel of the same name is a very dark and foreboding tale only a sick creative mind could create.
The film follows a young man named Simon, who is kidnapped by a hitman. The hitman is hired to to take away Simon's skin, which he finds is horrifically covered in words carved all over his body. Curious, he offers Simon a quick death if he reveals how this happened to him. Simon begins telling the story.
Simon goes on to explain how a young girl was violated and brutally murdered by a supernatural force. This incident brings curiosity to Mary Florescu, a paranormal professor, and Reg Fuller, her partner. Mary then discovers Simon, a clairvoyant student, and though reluctant, the three of them eventually venture into the home to move in to begin a paranormal investigation. But things go from bad to worse.
Review
I love this film, it's original, it's dark, it's gritty. It's a great British horror movie and there's a few twists and turns including a big one halfway through which I won't spoil for you. It has an horrific ending that follows it and is a great underrated film people need to see.
It's gory, atmospheric, it's aesthetic is Britain on a rainy day, all stony and gloomy. If you don't have this movie in your collection I urge you to get it you will not be disappointed at all.
Clive Barker is such a great author and films based on his novels are just fantastic. If you haven't seen this film you should.
Wow this film doesn't pull any punches, coming from Lionsgate Studios who are renowned for their catalogue of films including previously mentioned Cabin Fever and ripped straight out of the sadistic mind of Clive Barker. We as an audience are given a tremendous gift in the form of an original story with a compelling plot, a protagonist you can follow and some of the goriest pieces of cinema I've ever seen.
The story follows an unsuccessful photographer trying to make it big in LA. In a bid to get more recognition for his work he decides to go to the subway at night. There he comes across a gang harassing a young woman, and begins taking pictures of the situation. Hoping to catch the 'heart of the city' and get a real urban feel from his film.
She then goes missing, and begins to investigate this mystery. This investigation as just a normal everyday guy unravels into a complete nightmare of gore, guts and horror. His search for this woman becomes a complete obsession, his girlfriend doesn't believe him and neither do the police. Fast becoming a dangerous situation he can no longer turn away from.
Review
From a short story written in Clive Barkers: Book of Blood back in 1984 this film has grown into somewhat a cult status. Seeing from the box office the film probably didn't make as much as it cost to make it resulting in a loss. However many people fondly remember this film and agree they would watch it again.
And fight the urge to be sick during the eyeball scene, this scene caught me and many others off guard, here I'll even post the scene for you. It's just one...or should I say three deaths in this film. It's not ruining anything but the eyeball scene should you wish to watch.
(WARNING HIGH GRAPHIC CONTENT VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED)
If you have not seen this movie you should, don't let anyone ruin the plot points because then it just becomes pointless. You may find the wheels on this train fall off a little at the end but it will leave you satisfied none the less. If you have seen Clive Barkers mind brought to life before in the wake of Hellraiser I strongly suggest you look at this film.
