Of course, Helen doesn't believe all this stuff, but the people of the area are really afraid. When she ignores their warnings and begins her investigation in the places that he is rumored to appear, a series of horrible murders begins. Could the legend be true?
This is the story of 1992's Candyman. It was written and directed by Bernard Rose. The big thing to take away is that it was adapted from "The Forbidden" from Clive Barker. It starred Virginia Madsen, Xander Berkeley and Tony Todd.
I remember when this film first came out. I was four years old. My mother was still around and was big into horror films. She wanted to watch it with my Dad. Of course, I got to watch but was told to close my eyes when something gorey or spooky happened. So it was a very tame version of the film for me.
However, the thing that struck me the most was Tony Todd. His performance is so incredible in this film. Whenever he's on the screen, he just emits such a presence that it's understandable why this film has become a cult classic. Being so young at the time, I also thought he was in the film a lot more than he actually is. This is also a testament to what an incredible actor Tony Todd is that he creates so much in the amount of time he was in the film.
Virginia Madsen's performance is equally amazing in this film. She's so sure of herself and what she's doing is the right thing. However, the deeper she goes into the hive - it's becoming clear that she's so selfish. She's not trying to help anybody out but make a name for herself. And that's something that Candyman takes advantage of. But the beautiful thing is that the crazier life gets, the more she begins to care for others. To the point where she sacrifices herself to save baby Anthony. It really is a huge arc as we see everything in the film from Helen's perspective.
Then we have Xander Berkeley. The man was so good on the show 24. Here, he delivers such a performance that just exudes douchebagness. If douchebag was a disease, this performance proves there's no cure. He goes so far to just make Helen think she's going crazy. And when she needs his help, he turns on her and hands her over freely. It's very clear that he's just trying to use her. And justice is definitely served at the end of the film.
There are a few moments in this film where it has a very dreamlike quality. One of them being the discovery of the lair. Should we call it that? Candyman's home. Another is when Helen is locked away in the Doctor's office, the imagery that happens in this scene. It is so visually striking and comes out of left field that it left me wondering if this was truly happening or if it was in Helen's mind.
There is some gore in this film. It is nothing too over the top. Seriously nothing like we would see in today's film scape. However, that works to the film's strength. It allows the film to reach audiences that it may not otherwise. It definitely can appeal to those that are new comers to the horror genre.
Ultimately this film is wonderfully tragic. It could also be a fairy tale. A ghost story. It is clear why it has withstood the test of time.
Check out where the legend began before seeing the new film.
Come on, say it with me...
Candyman. Candyman. Candyman. Candyman. Candyman.
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