ALONE IN THE DARK (1982)

Excellent horror movie that didn’t quite get the attention it deserved upon it’s release. It takes the cliched escaped mental patient formula, but manages to create something original. The mental institution in the film is called the Haven and is run by the eccentric Dr. Leo Bain (Donald Pleasance.) After one of it’s doctors is transferred, Dr. Dan Potter (Dwight Schultz) is hired as a replacement. Believing that the new doctor murdered their original doctor and took his place, four patients become dead set on revenge. On the night of a huge blackout, the four patients manage to escape and head for Dr. Potter’s house where a night of terrorization and insanity ensues. As basic as the premise may be, Alone In The Dark is actually an intelligent and rather intricate movie with something for everyone. Even though it is regarded as a slasher movie, Alone In The Dark is also appealing to both horror fans and the more highbrow, self righteous movie audiences who usually frown on horror films. One of the highlights of the movie is the characterizations and performances. I had wanted to take a moment to discuss all the standout performances, but if I did that I would wind up doing a role call of the entire cast. It is worth noting the appearance of Jack Palance and Martin Landau as two of the escapees. The atmosphere when the family is being terrorized is tense and really grabs a hold of you. There is also a cool twist near the end that was later ripped off in the movie Valentine years later. Logistically, if you really think about it, the twist involves extreme coincidence and comes off as inconsistent for one of the characters it involves. Seeing as the rest of the movie is brilliant and works so well, this is all easily accepted and overlooked. Alone In The Dark is one the best underappreciated gems of 80s horror and I strongly urge all horror fans to give it a go.

Special Features: Commentary With Writer/Director Jack Sholder/ Interview With Actress Carol Levy/ Interview With Punk Band The Sic F*cks/ Theatrical Trailer/ Photo Gallery/ Liner Notes By Fangoria’s Michael Gingold.