Nightbreed: Clive Barker’s Flawed & Majestic Monster 35 Years Later

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Originating from the mind of Clive Barker and adapted from his novella Cabal, Nightbreed serves as a portal to the realm of Midian. This film is an imaginative blend of urban fantasy, shrouded in dark undertones, boasting gothic style, and delving into intricate romantic relationships. The narrative might be so layered that it could be seen as overly complex, bordering on being too rich for its own sake. Despite not finding its place in the world during its initial release, Nightbreed remains a captivating example of misunderstood cinematic artistry, continuing to intrigue audiences even thirty-five years after its debut.

In a somewhat unusual yet captivating manner, this film stands out. The foundation seems robust, and it never fails to hold your attention throughout. The protagonist, Aaron Boone (played by Craig Sheffer), is a young man grappling with distressing nightmares and seeking psychological help for his issues. However, his situation takes a turn for the worse when his psychiatrist, Dr. Philip Decker (portrayed by David Cronenberg), appears to harbor sinister intentions.

Boone’s trust is betrayed, his girlfriend Lori Winston (Anne Bobby) embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, and they both stumble upon the grotesque inhabitants of Midian, a hidden city beneath a cemetery. This secret metropolis serves as a battleground for an inevitable conflict between humans and the Moon Tribes.

The story is complex and its flow can be challenging to keep up with due to the film’s pacing and editing. At first, not much background information is provided, leaving the mysteries of the world shrouded for the initial part. Despite reaching a climax, the movie continues on without fully explaining itself or delving into the history of its main society. It seems like we’ve only just begun to follow Boone’s tale but are actually in the midst of a larger journey for other characters. Some dialogues suggest that certain people were already aware of these creatures, and the ending sets up the promise of another grand adventure. While it might confuse viewers initially, it’s a fascinating world worth exploring further.

The storyline is intricate with Boone playing a significant role, but temporarily stepping aside for other characters who appear crucial initially. However, their importance fades as the plot unfolds, leaving some questions unanswered and backstories incomplete. Compared to my expectations, this novella deviates slightly, providing partial explanations for certain characters but lacking detail in various aspects. The narrative also introduces a more sexualized tone, though it subtly provides glimpses of the Midian residents’ complex personalities, transforming many into antiheroes, despite their occasional cannibalistic tendencies. It seems that the production studio, Morgan Creek, struggled to determine whom audiences should support, as their marketing department reportedly hadn’t watched the entire film and were troubled by its content – they didn’t grasp the movie they had agreed to produce, lacked familiarity with the source material, and desired a different outcome, such as another Hellraiser-like production from Barker.

The film Nightbreed initially underperformed at both the box office and with critics. This was largely due to excessive studio intervention, as they attempted to sell the movie as a mindless slasher rather than appreciating its fantasy elements. The production process was plagued by multiple reshoots, even after test screenings, poor marketing with misleading posters, an overly restrictive R-rating, and a confusing trailer that didn’t accurately portray the film’s tone or purpose. To make matters worse, the trailer editing was forced to omit most of the monster footage, which was one of the key attractions for horror enthusiasts. The post-production process was particularly tumultuous, with an editor quitting and significant cuts being made to the film’s runtime, eliminating entire subplots and roles. The studio then brought in another editor who was instructed to produce a cut that aligned with their vision, leaving Clive Barker displeased as his original vision remained unrealized. Furthermore, due to the higher-ups’ belief that horror fans wouldn’t read reviews, Nightbreed wasn’t screened for critics during its release.

In the present day, we find ourselves with multiple versions of this film, thanks to efforts from dedicated team members and enthusiastic viewers who have produced two distinct endings and four unique cuts, each with varying lengths and significant differences. While it’s debatable which version is definitive, die-hard fans would likely want to watch them all due to the extra and modified scenes. Newcomers might be better off skipping the theatrical release. It’s possible that more hidden pieces could surface in the future, leaving us wondering what audiences at test screenings experienced. The Director’s Cut, released on Blu-Ray in 2014, seems to have become the benchmark for this cult favorite. There should no longer be any doubt about Nightbreed’s devoted fanbase and their unwavering support.

While this film may not be a flawless work of cinematic art, nearly every element of it is captivating. The visuals are particularly commendable due to the numerous imaginative monsters that populate Midian, giving it a bustling and active feel. Initially, some creatures were intended to be created using stop motion, but this proved costly, and CGI wasn’t yet at the desired level, resulting in impressive makeup effects instead. Given that it’s Clive Barker, these visuals are expected to be cool, practical, and eerie, with a touch of disquieting nudity. A great deal of effort, resources, and acclaim were invested in these striking visuals. The HD versions of the film offer both benefits and drawbacks; they enhance many shots previously seen on VHS, but they also make the murals and matte paintings more conspicuous. Midian is an intricate, subterranean city that recalls the Netherrealm battle between Johnny Cage and Scorpion from the first Mortal Kombat movie. The monsters and environment provide a fitting setting for the carnage that unfolds during the dramatic finale, where humans finally encounter the demons they’ve been searching for.

The music in this production was created by Danny Elfman and orchestrated/conducted by Shirley Walker, both associates from the Batman universe (1989 film and The Animated Series). Elfman viewed the score as an opportunity to explore new territories, aiming for a blend of darkness and tribal rhythms that would resonate with the Nightbreed characters. However, he also wanted it to be enjoyable and slightly sweet, complex like the movie, yet not incur the same studio disapproval as the filmed sections did. Some parts are brilliant, powerful, and evocative, while others seem a bit incongruous, bordering on being overly whimsical. There’s even a cover of an Oingo Boingo song thrown in for a playful reference.

In a subtle yet significant nod, the primary antagonist of Nightbreed, Dr. Philip K. Decker, is a dual tribute to the protagonist of Blade Runner (1982) and its author, renowned science fiction writer Philip K. Dick. While David Cronenberg is primarily recognized for his directing, he excels in portraying Dr. Decker as a ruthless and chilling psychopath. Amidst commendable acting performances, Cronenberg’s portrayal stands out as particularly menacing. In the novella, Decker communicates with an eerie mask, which adds to his unsettling nature. Unlike the Nightbreed monsters, he appears to be more sinister, and violence seems to be inherent in his character. His motives are not thoroughly explored, leaving a sense of mystery that enhances the intensity of his scenes. The film is filled with numerous murders, but Decker’s are particularly brutal, and the uncertainty surrounding his reasons makes these scenes even more gripping, amplified by Cronenberg’s almost supernatural delivery.

In essence, Nightbreed carries a multilayered message, with its overt storyline being quite engaging, but some viewers argue that it delves too deeply into certain themes, making it complex to the point of confusion. The film incorporates religious undertones that might be perceived as disrespectful towards faith, despite Midian being the location where Moses encountered the burning bush and Boone serving as a Christ-like figure guiding others to a better realm.

This movie is frequently discussed within the LGBT community due to its portrayal of characters who grapple with their identities and societal rejection, a theme that resonates particularly with those who feel like outcasts. Notably, Alejandro Jodorowsky, a renowned French filmmaker, refers to Nightbreed as the “first truly gay horror fantasy epic.”

Some of the more implicitly homoerotic undercurrents were reportedly requested to be toned down by 20th Century Fox. For those interested in delving deeper into this aspect, there is much to explore. It’s also worth noting that Nightbreed has been referred to as an underrated X-Men film, given its focus on the roles of outcasts and the diverse powers each monster possesses.

Given that most people have experienced some form of marginalization or rejection by society, these themes in Nightbreed make the movie highly relatable for many viewers.

All of it holds truth – God is a cosmic traveler, Oz lies beyond the rainbow, while Midian serves as the lair for the monstrous creatures… And here you’ve arrived to face your demise.

Perhaps the sheer volume of themes, action, and monstrous elements in Barker’s work may have been overly ambitious, potentially overwhelming the intended impact. Despite not being bitter myself, it appears Barker felt some frustration due to having more narrative to share, initially planning a trilogy to delve deeper into the world of the Nightbreed. However, we did receive two video games, and there were numerous comic books, prose adaptations, and even trading cards as merchandise. The ambition seems to have extended beyond just the film, with plans for a television show that was later reimagined as a remake, but progress on that front has slowed. Yet, the passion for Midian remains, reflecting a people who continually face challenges in their journey.

Nightbreed isn’t forgotten by those who cherish it. It may not be a dominant force in the horror genre, but it certainly leaves an indelible mark. One of my recent delights was learning that WWF wrestler Mideon (Dennis Knight/Phineas I. Godwinn) derived his name from this very film, and such cultural influence is always captivating. This movie appeals to those who empathize with the monsters, those ready to look beyond the surface and understand them better. It’s for viewers who prefer a darker palette and are not deterred by watching multiple versions because they adore the world so much. Nightbreed is far from flawless, but art can be untidy, and film history, even more so.

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2025-02-18 01:40