Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, February 4, 1995 TAG: 9502090013
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B-12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
But writer Michael De Luca and director John Carpenter are also telling a more traditional story that's firmly rooted in the H.P. Lovecraft mythos. It may go too far into the supernatural to satisfy all horror fans, but this is a well-made film with some genuinely creepy moments.
As it begins, John Trent (Sam Neill) is being locked into a padded cell. The spooky admitting doctor (John Glover) cryptically worries that "things are getting bad out there." The action then shifts back to show how Trent came to such a state. He's a no-nonsense insurance investigator who's hired to find horror author Sutter Cane (Jurgen Prochnow).
Cane, who eclipses Stephen King in popularity, has disappeared. His publisher (Charlton Heston) is desperate to get his hands on Cane's new manuscript, "In the Mouth of Madness," even though Cane's agent became an ax-wielding maniac after reading the first chapters.
Ever the realist, Trent knows nothing of Cane's work and is surprised to find that the novels have a strange effect on him. He also thinks he has located Hobbs End, the fictional New England town that's the setting for Cane's work. Off he goes with Cane's editor, Linda Styles (Julie Carmen).
From the flashback structure to the tranquil rural village that hides an evil side, the film is built on familiar elements. They're punctuated with some subtle special effects created by Industrial Light and Magic and KNB EFX Group. Unlike some of Carpenter's other work - most notably his remake of "The Thing" - this film doesn't rely on the effects for shock value. Some of the most skin-crawly moments involve nothing more than playing cards in the spokes of a bicycle wheel.
The key is Sam Neill's performance. His gradual development through skepticism to belief and, perhaps, to madness is all too persuasive. So is his reaction to the growing violence around him. Like the effects, he makes good use of restraint, and he brings a sense of intelligence to the part.
The curious ending is ambitious but weak compared to what's gone before. It probably won't satisfy all viewers, but "In the Mouth of Madness" is still one of those rare horror films that manages to be smart and frightening at the same time.
In the Mouth of Madness ***
A New Line release playing at the Salem Valley 8, Valley View Mall 6. 105 min. Rated R for violence, strong language, subject matter.
by CNB