Plot
The film is a story of two friends Tara (Jenna Kanell) and Dawn (Catherine Corcoran) whom meet evil as well as silent Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) on Halloween night. As the night unfolds, Art's twisted games become increasingly violent and the two pals are forced to fight off the brutal assault. The story itself may not be groundbreaking however it is an effective way of showcasing the strengths of the film in the dark and terrifying entity the film is Art the Clown.
Visual Effects, Practical Effects, and Horror Imagery
A distinctive aspect of "Terrifier" has to be its commitment to practical effects. In an age when CGI has become the norm for directors, Leone's decision to make use of real effects not only makes reference to classic horror, but adds an intense, tangible feel to the gore. The creative and disturbingly grisly kills are a testament to that of the originality of the team of special effects, headed by Leone himself with a background as a makeup artist in SFX makeup. From the brutal dismemberment or dismemberment of a character to the grotesque facial mutilations of another "Terrifier" extends the boundaries of what can be seen on screen, and gives a genuinely horrifying experience.
David Howard Thornton's eerie performance in the role of Art the Clown
The most notable aspect of "Terrifier" that sets it apart the other other horror flicks is the deeply disorienting performance of David Howard Thornton as Art the Clown. Thornton's portrayal as the menacing, silent figure can be described as the stuff of nightmares. With his white face paint his exaggerated smile, as well as eyelashes that are dark, Art the Clown is visually stunning and conveys malice in every step.
Thornton's physical acting is outstanding showing a mastery in facial expressions and body language that render Art's every move bewildering. The performance is further enhanced by the absolute absence of dialogue forcing the actor to rely solely on the body and facial expressions to convey Art's deranged motives. This silence only enhances the terror-inducing character's presence which makes him one of the most terrifying horror movie villains of the 21st century.
The Film's Low Budget: An ode to creativity and Resourcefulness
Another great thing about "Terrifier" was its capacity to provide a truly terrifying adventure on a shoestring. The film was reportedly made for about $100,000, which is a only a fraction of what the majority of horror films cost to make. Despite this constraint, Leone has managed to create an aesthetically stunning and deeply unsettling film that has the same quality as the best horror films with higher budgets.
The filmmakers' ingenuity is evident in the film's gritty, urban setting, which effectively communicates a sense and vulnerability. Also, the small budget likely contributed to the decision to utilize practical effects which, as I've mentioned earlier can only help to increase the overall impact of the film.
A Critical Reception Response and Fan Response
"Terrifier" is highly acclaimed by viewers and critics alike, gaining a cult following within the horror community. Critics have praised the film for its unique practical effects, and Thornton's shocking performance as Art the Clown, and the ability to deliver the most terrifying experience possible on little budget. Fans of the genre have been raving about the film due to its brutality without apology, unsettling atmosphere, and memorable villain.
Conclusion
In the end, Damien Leone's "Terrifier" is an exemplary demonstration of what's possible to be achieved through creativity, resourcefulness and an in-depth understanding of what makes horror truly frightening. With its horrifyingly practical effects and David Howard's disorienting portrayal of Art the Clown and its impressive performance on only a modest budget "Terrifier" is now among the best cinematic horrors of today. If you are a fan of the genre it is not (blog) to be overlooked.
Director: Damien Leone
Starring: David Howard Thornton, Jenna Kanell, Samantha Scaffidi
Launch Date: October 15th, 2016
Score: 90/100