Brain Damage (1988)
Limited Special Edition DVD
Synapse Films
Director: Frank Henenlotter
A worm-like parasite named Aylmer latches into Brian’s (Rock Herbst) neck and offers to inject his brain with a hallucinogenic fluid, giving him pleasurable psychedelic experiences. But the catch is, to keep the “high”, Brian has to feed Aylmer his favorite food… human brains! Directed by Frank Henenlotter (Basket Case, Frankenhooker), this amazing cult film favorite will have you screaming with laughter as you reach for your barf bag.
Not only was this the first Henenlotter film I saw, it was also the first time I saw a blow job in a movie. What a bizarre one to be your first as Aylmer sucks the brain out of girl right through her mouth when she goes down on Brian. When I asked what was going on, the response from my father was, “Don’t tell your mother.” Great explanation to an eleven year old. Ah, the things that shape our future.
In this kaleidoscope of weird, Henenlotter manages to out Henenlotter himself. The first 20 minutes of this film is a nauseating acid trip in the blues and purples of Brian’s apartment. One part hallucinogenic trip and one part body horror, Brain Damage is unlike any other horror film out there. Heavy on jokes and gore, it really shines in the storied history of Henenlotter films.
As we get to know Aylmer more, we see him sing and banter, all while tearing out brains and draining the life from host Brian. The result is a satisfying layer of confusion on one trippy as hell film about addiction and physcosexual behavior dipped in a vat of gore. As we watch Brian deteriorate into a pale ghoul, Aylmer grows more and more hungry.
This limited edition release from Synapse comes with all of the bells and whistles including an amazing transfer that showcases the richest color pallette that Henenlotter will ever use in a film. Horror fans looking for a subversive classic need to look no further. Henenlotter is still the reigning king of bizarro horror with dark humor.
Limited to only 50,000 copies, grab one while you still can as this is a must own for horror fans.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
-NEW! 2003 Anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) Transfer in High-Definition
-NEW! Dolby Digital 5.1 Track Remixed for Home Video Environments
-NEW! Liner Notes
-NEW! Animated Menus
-Original Mono Soundtrack Included and an Isolated Music Score
-Audio Commentary from Director Frank Henenlotter and BRAIN DAMAGE Novelist Bob Martin
-Optimal Quality Dual-Layer RSDL Format for Optimal Picture Quality
-Liner Notes
-Theatrical Trailer
Horror Underground 