Jack Sholder is one
of the most underrated American directors of the 80's. While A Nightmare
on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge was landmark effort in queer horror, The
Hidden set the bar for science fiction action and remains a cult classic to
this day. His directorial debut, Alone in the Dark, is a punk rock
slasher that combines elements of Assault on Precinct 13 and Halloween
to present a unique and vividly violent horror debut.
Dr. Potter arrives at The Haven, an experimental psychiatric hospital to begin
treatment of four criminally disturbed inmates. Following a power outage,
the inmates escape and lay siege to Potter's home, believing him responsible
for the death of their previous therapist. Donald Pleasance gives one of his
more memorable performances as Dr. Bain, a new age psychologist who practices
strange therapeutic techniques, referring to his patients as Travelers.
Elements of Sholder, Robert Shaye, and Michael Harrpster's script would later
inspire Panos Cosmatos' Beyond the Black Rainbow, as both pictures
comment on the strange possibilities of unique mental health techniques.
While Cosmatos' explored a generational Rubicon, Sholder was more
interested in a visceral demonstration of brutality and paranoia.
Martin Landau and Jack Palance steal the limelight, obliterating the scenery with Landau's preacher gone mad and Palance's wickedly murderous combat veteran. While Landau crosses the line of delicious absurdity, Palance uses his trademarked cool to portray his Frank as a dangerous, but frighteningly intelligent killer who seeks revenge for a slight that may not even possibly exist. The build up to the siege is perhaps the most fun, particularly during a punk concert sequence that is both out of place and yet perfectly at home in Sholder's paradoxical wonderland. On the surface is the warm, natural confines of the Potter home and The Haven, while beneath is the blood-tinged bowels of the night in which the monsters roam and neon rebels sing their ballads of nonconformity. The result is a solid horror entry with some unforgettable moments woven into a prototypical story.
Now available on blu ray via Shout Factory, Alone in the Dark is an outstanding debut feature and a good old fashioned slasher romp. While nothing in the film breaks the mold, the idea of Jack Palance and Martin Landau roving the streets with weapons during a blackout whilst hunting their therapist is an idea so outlandish, the fact that it was brought into reality is a quasi-miracle, and for that alone, this film should be treasured.
--Kyle Jonathan