Saturday, June 17, 2017
Curtains
Curtains
Production Year: 1983 Release Date: 07/29/2014
Director: Richard Ciupka
Studio: Synapse Films
Canada has a rich history of horror films from classics like Black Christmas (Bob Clark; 1974) to more modern films like Ginger Snaps (John Fawcett; 2000). Within the mix there are a number of seldom seen gems that have not been given their due, thankfully however, we have companies like Synapse Films; a studio more than willing to resurrect underappreciated films giving them a second life in todays home video market. Curtains was an early entry in the slasher craze that befell the 80s. Is it the most competent of the slasher films during that period? No. But the film remains pretty enjoyable and after my initial viewing its easy to understand why it has built up a modest fan base over the years.
The film is about director Jonathon Stryker (John Vernon)and his attempt to cast his new film Audra. Seasoned actress Samantha Sherwood (Samantha Eggar) assumes shes a shoo-in, after all she did help the director purchase the rights to the film. Jonathon (being the extremely supportive fella that he is) insists that Sherwood commit herself to the role and before you can say "free healthcare" the actress is locked away in a psychiatric institution. With Samantha out of the picture Jon is able to go behind her back and seek out a new young actress. The director has an "audition weekend" at his secluded mansion and invites six different starlets in hopes of narrowing down his list.
Stryker must have been pretty surprised when the actress he dumped at the asylum happens to show up. Samantha Sherwood is not only upset, but intent on getting the role she was promised. Luck might just be on her side this time around as a masked murderer is on the loose and has an appetite for young actresses. When the curtains fall which actress will be the last woman standing!?
It really is surprising that its taken so long to get a decent release of Curtains, while its not the best slasher film of that period a number of lesser films have had worthy editions for years now. Fans of the subgenre whove yet to see the film should be more than satisfied, the movie features a great cast and some fun kills. The antagonist ("hag"-tagonist, maybe?) has one of the strangest get-ups in slasher history. As youll see from the screen-grabs the mask is pretty memorable and is sure to send shivers up your spine, especially if you suffer from Gerontophobia. I think one can judge the merit of a Slasher by its ability to keep the viewer questioning the identity of the masked murderer, in the case of Curtains, its one that will keep you guessing until the last kill. A solid little Canadian horror film.
Alternate Audio Track featuring interviews with Peter R. Simpson and Samantha Eggar - This is a vintage audio interview thats presented in the form of a commentary track.
Ciupka - A Filmmaker in Transition (15:27 SD) - A vintage documentary about Director Richard Ciupka, this short feature has some behind the scenes footage from Curtains and is exclusive to the blu-ray edition.
Trailer (01:55 HD)
Available link for download
