Tag Archives: psycho

The Terminal Man (1974) – Science For A Better Tomorrow

Author Michael Crichton made a career of fabricating yarns about scientific pursuits which are intended for the advancement and betterment of Man going horribly awry. Whether it be an unfailing belief in the infallibility of scientific advancement being a good thing and absolutely essential to our well being or just a catastrophic domino effect of good intentions and can’t fail scientific method crumbling into chaos, Crichton offered up a bevy of such cautionary tales about our experts overstepping their bounds with regard to natural order and development.

Case in point: The Terminal Man. This cinematic take explores what would happen if a psychologically damaged individual was administered a surgical procedure to curb his appalling tendency to succumb to seizure induced bouts of homicidal rage. Well, let us say, that it only makes things worse. Chalk up another big victory for science as it certainly meant well.

Great George Segal movie. He wildly swings from playing the weak, helpless subject of his laboratory masters to becoming a raging, menacing maniac. A modern day Frankenstein monster. Nightmarish.

May Segal rest in peace.

EDGE OF SANITY (1989) – HYBRID HORROR

Dr. Henry Jekyll has been experimenting with cocaine as a potential anesthetic drug. He over does it a bit with his experiment and his drug intake, and low and behold, manifests or converts into an evil alter ego, “Jack” Hyde, a crack pipe equipped, murderous psycho.

I subtitled this entry as Hybrid Horror. Let me explain myself. The grisly murders undertaken by Hyde resemble those of the infamous Jack The Ripper. This version of Mr. Hyde dispatches his victims in a manner similar to Ye Olde Jack: destructive, savage administration of a surgical knife to parts of the victim’s anatomy. So you have a mixing and combining of crazy, murderous behavior from two legendary figures from the past. The other hybrid I see is the appearance of actor Anthony (“PSYCHO”) Perkins who turns in another agitated, sweaty performance. He also dons eye liner and lipstick when channeling Jack Hyde. His look brings to mind Iggy Pop from the 1980’s! (See “TV EYE LIVE” album cover, as well as covers of the albums “LUST FOR LIFE”, “PARTY”, “SOLDIER”) Night Clubbing, indeed!

This will be of interest of those who have followed actor Anthony Perkins over the years. This role closely resembles his perverted “CRIMES OF PASSION” character Rev. Peter Shayne, a whacked out preacher pervert. Some things remain the same. Norman Bates rages!

FATAL ATTRACTION – 1987

Always a favorite Valentine’s Day view, “Fatal Attraction” documents a married man’s fling while the wife’s away that turns out to be the biggest mistake of his life.  Rather than obediently disappearing after their wild weekend, Michael Douglas’ love interest, Glenn Close, chooses instead to hang around and try to become a more permanent fixture in his life.  Of course, this was not a part of the plan in Douglas’ mind.  Close is very single minded in her pursuit and will not think of hearing “no” as a response in her quest top become Douglas’ primary love interest.  There is the matter of his present wife standing in the way.  Therein lays the dramatic conflict…Get ready for plenty of psychotic outbursts and general pandemonium!  Douglas is hilarious when trying to mumble and lie is way out of his current predicament.  Very entertaining flick!

TALES FROM THE CRYPT – 1972 – SCARY SANTA!

I think I mentioned Tales From The Crypt in an earlier post.  I stress this segment from the anthology film from the ’70’s because it features a diabolical madman on the loose who dons a Santa Claus suit to get into the spirit of the Christmas season during which the segment transpires.  Seedy Santa leers and creeps outside the residence of an equally seedy sexpot played by Joan Collins.  You can question whether there was type casting involved.  I have.  Anyway, an enjoyable if edgy representation of the jolly fat guy who in this case gets his jollies from stalking less than innocent, soon to be victims.  Simply crazy!