Description

A worm-like parasite named Aylmer latches into Brian's (Rick Herbst) neck and offers to inject his brain with a hallucinogenic fluid, giving him pleasurable psychedelic experiences.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! Also contains the gore sequences deleted from the U.S. theatrical release, including the infamous "brain pulling" sequence! ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A Head Game from Hell
1988's BRAIN DAMAGE is the second film from low-budget Grand Guignol writer/director Frank Henenlotter, his first being the grisly over-the-top cult favorite BASKET CASE (1982), and both films established him as the master auteur of bad-taste horror cinema in the 1980s. But despite of the excessive gore and crude sexual elements, Henenlotter's films are a cut above the average trash pics because his well-written scripts are weaved around a daedal subtext that offers wry comments and observations on certain elements or aspects of modern society. With the visceral horror comedy BRAIN DAMAGE, Henenlotter is satirizing the Western propensity for addiction.

BRAIN DAMAGE relates the "mind-blowing" tale of the Faustian bargain made between a young man named Brian and an enigmatic, snake-like parasite named Aylmer (pronounced like the name ELMER). Aylmer dispenses an addictive pleasure-inducing drug directly into Brian's brain, but as payment for each "fix," Brian must transport Aylmer around the city so the parasitic pusher can obtain his favorite food--human brains. Though Brian is generally a nice young man who wouldn't hurt a flea, he finds it impossible to resist the demands of the deceptively cute parasite because of his need and desire for the psychedelic "juice," and he ultimately becomes Aylmer's accomplice in murder.

With a meager budget of circa $600,000, Henenlotter and crew have nonetheless succeeded in crafting BRAIN DAMAGE as a polished, professional-looking film. Yes, the violence is graphic, sophomorically comic, and often over the top, and yes, the film has a crude, puerile sexual element (snake-like Aylmer is obviously a phallic symbol). But these elements actually enhance the film's earnest anti-addiction subtext, as they vociferously underscore the negative effect that addiction has on an addict's personality, his personal life, and the lives of others with whom he has contact.

The acting in the film is rather a mixed bag. As Brian, future soap-opera regular Rick Hearst--then billed under his birth surname of Herbst--does a great job of portraying a boy-next-door type whose life is spiraling out of control due to his addiction. And in an uncredited role, actor John Zacherle--better known to some horror fans as Zacherley, the Cool Ghoul host of New York TV's SHOCK! THEATER--does an outstanding job voicing the smarmy Aylmer. Gordon MacDonald plays Brain's brother, Mike, and Jennifer Lowry his girlfriend, Barbara, and both do an adequate job. Most of the other performances are a bit wooden, but they don't detract too much from the film's overall production quality.

Being a Juvenalian satire of sorts, the often biting humor in BRAIN DAMAGE is dark, off-color & often bawdy, and outrageously offbeat. Much of little Aylmer's dialogue is sarcastically witty, and in one eerie but funny scene, Brian lies writhing on the floor hurting for a "fix" while Elmer sits by and jovially belts out the Glenn Miller standard "Elmer's Tune." Also, in a hilarious homage to Henenlotter's previous film, BASKET CASE, the star of that film, Kevin VanHentenryck, gets on the subway with a familiar wicker basket in hand and takes the seat opposite Brian.

The Special Edition "Limited Availability" DVD from Synapse presents a high-definition transfer of BRAIN DAMAGE in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, and the transfer appears vibrant, clean, and relatively free of digital artifacts. This is the unrated restored version, so all of the gore and innuendo that was cut for the U.S. theatrical release has been put back where it belongs. There are also some cool extras, including a very witty feature commentary featuring writer/director Henenlotter, former FANGORIA editor Robert Martin, and filmmaker Scooter McCrae (who has worked with Henenlotter). Also included is the theatrical trailer (in 1.85:1 aspect ratio), a "hidden" trailer for BASKET CASE, and an isolated-musical-score audio option.

To sum up, BRAIN DAMAGE is a movie with a somber subtext, but writer/director Frank Henenlotter doesn't let that get in the way of all the cheesy fun. Sure, the anti-addiction allegory can't be missed, but Henenlotter also knows that the monkey on his antihero's back is an ideal springboard for lots of offbeat and bawdy gallows humor, and he milks it for all it's worth. Admittedly, BRAIN DAMAGE will not appeal to every viewer's tastes, but those seeking a Family Film or a Chick Flick probably shouldn't be perusing the listings for the horror DVDs anyway.

Brain Damage (1987) d: Henenlotter, Frank
Frank Henenlotter's second low-budget feature about a boy and his pet monster, is an anti drug horror comedy that is almost as good as his first film Basket Case (1981) [Watch for the Basket Case related in joke when actor Kevin VanHentenryck appears in a subway scene]. The non-human star, is a worm-like critter named Aylmer. The slimy penis shaped parasite comes in the possession of young Brian [Rick Herbst], and begins to gain control of him. The singing, and joke telling Aylmer sinks hooks into Brian's neck, secreting a strange blue liquid that gives his brain a jolt of psychedelic goodies, 'color, music and euphoria'. In exchange for injecting this marvelous hallucinogen into Brian's brain, the Aylmer incites its host to find it victims, from whom it sucks brains. Aylmer argues that it's all right to kill people, as long as Brian isn't directly involved. Kicking his wisecracking pain in the neck, is the only way for Brian to survive. When originally released, the film slipped onto video shelves virtually unnoticed. Thankfully Synapse Films have re-released this cult classic on DVD, and have restored this print to include the much talked about ...................... that Paramount didn't have the guts to include. The strong sexual footage is played up, mostly for laughs. Very funny 42nd street humor is contained on the commentary track. Review by: Fringe Video.

Poor Elmer, He Shouldn't Have Died, But Still, This Is Great
Brain Damage Was Excellently Funny & Gruesome. One Of The Funniest Movie I Ever Seen. Sadly, Elmer Bit The Dust At The End, He Was Great.

One of the best movies ever
Brain damage noe of the most excellent movies i have ever seen. It has the best story and the most interesting characters ive seen in a while. The gore and special effects are a masterpiece. I highly recomend this movie to anyone who likes cult classics. If i had to compare it i would say its kind of like a troma movie but not funny. Everyone needs to see this movie. the first scene will send chills down your backside.

DownRok
Yeah, I saw this picture during the Dane Tour 2000. Its about some freakish little alien that looks like a cartoon.The alien is named Elmo and he feeds on brains or something. People let the little parasite feed on them because elmo gives them an addictive hallucinogen. In the end the main character gets over sauced with the crazy drug and starts firing Corona Beams out of his head.(see cover) ... Read more

Description

A worm-like parasite named Aylmer latches into Brian^Rs (Rick Herbst) neck and offers to inject his brain with a hallucinogenic fluid, giving him pleasurable psychedelic experiences.There^Rs one catch^Eto keep the high, Brian has to keep feeding the Aylmer his favorite food^Ehuman brains!Directed by Frank Henenlotter (Frakenhooker, Basket Case), this outstanding cult film favorite will have you screaming with laughter as you reach for your barf bag!Available for the first time in it^Rs original uncut version, this new high-definition transfer contains all the gore sequences deleted from the American release prints, including the infamous ^Sbrain pulling^T sequence! ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A Head Game from Hell
1988's BRAIN DAMAGE is the second film from low-budget Grand Guignol writer/director Frank Henenlotter, his first being the grisly over-the-top cult favorite BASKET CASE (1982), and both films established him as the master auteur of bad-taste horror cinema in the 1980s. But despite of the excessive gore and crude sexual elements, Henenlotter's films are a cut above the average trash pics because his well-written scripts are weaved around a daedal subtext that offers wry comments and observations on certain elements or aspects of modern society. With the visceral horror comedy BRAIN DAMAGE, Henenlotter is satirizing the Western propensity for addiction.

BRAIN DAMAGE relates the "mind-blowing" tale of the Faustian bargain made between a young man named Brian and an enigmatic, snake-like parasite named Aylmer (pronounced like the name ELMER). Aylmer dispenses an addictive pleasure-inducing drug directly into Brian's brain, but as payment for each "fix," Brian must transport Aylmer around the city so the parasitic pusher can obtain his favorite food--human brains. Though Brian is generally a nice young man who wouldn't hurt a flea, he finds it impossible to resist the demands of the deceptively cute parasite because of his need and desire for the psychedelic "juice," and he ultimately becomes Aylmer's accomplice in murder.

With a meager budget of circa $600,000, Henenlotter and crew have nonetheless succeeded in crafting BRAIN DAMAGE as a polished, professional-looking film. Yes, the violence is graphic, sophomorically comic, and often over the top, and yes, the film has a crude, puerile sexual element (snake-like Aylmer is obviously a phallic symbol). But these elements actually enhance the film's earnest anti-addiction subtext, as they vociferously underscore the negative effect that addiction has on an addict's personality, his personal life, and the lives of others with whom he has contact.

The acting in the film is rather a mixed bag. As Brian, future soap-opera regular Rick Hearst--then billed under his birth surname of Herbst--does a great job of portraying a boy-next-door type whose life is spiraling out of control due to his addiction. And in an uncredited role, actor John Zacherle--better known to some horror fans as Zacherley, the Cool Ghoul host of New York TV's SHOCK! THEATER--does an outstanding job voicing the smarmy Aylmer. Gordon MacDonald plays Brain's brother, Mike, and Jennifer Lowry his girlfriend, Barbara, and both do an adequate job. Most of the other performances are a bit wooden, but they don't detract too much from the film's overall production quality.

Being a Juvenalian satire of sorts, the often biting humor in BRAIN DAMAGE is dark, off-color & often bawdy, and outrageously offbeat. Much of little Aylmer's dialogue is sarcastically witty, and in one eerie but funny scene, Brian lies writhing on the floor hurting for a "fix" while Elmer sits by and jovially belts out the Glenn Miller standard "Elmer's Tune." Also, in a hilarious homage to Henenlotter's previous film, BASKET CASE, the star of that film, Kevin VanHentenryck, gets on the subway with a familiar wicker basket in hand and takes the seat opposite Brian.

The Special Edition "Limited Availability" DVD from Synapse presents a high-definition transfer of BRAIN DAMAGE in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, and the transfer appears vibrant, clean, and relatively free of digital artifacts. This is the unrated restored version, so all of the gore and innuendo that was cut for the U.S. theatrical release has been put back where it belongs. There are also some cool extras, including a very witty feature commentary featuring writer/director Henenlotter, former FANGORIA editor Robert Martin, and filmmaker Scooter McCrae (who has worked with Henenlotter). Also included is the theatrical trailer (in 1.85:1 aspect ratio), a "hidden" trailer for BASKET CASE, and an isolated-musical-score audio option.

To sum up, BRAIN DAMAGE is a movie with a somber subtext, but writer/director Frank Henenlotter doesn't let that get in the way of all the cheesy fun. Sure, the anti-addiction allegory can't be missed, but Henenlotter also knows that the monkey on his antihero's back is an ideal springboard for lots of offbeat and bawdy gallows humor, and he milks it for all it's worth. Admittedly, BRAIN DAMAGE will not appeal to every viewer's tastes, but those seeking a Family Film or a Chick Flick probably shouldn't be perusing the listings for the horror DVDs anyway.

Brain Damage (1987) d: Henenlotter, Frank
Frank Henenlotter's second low-budget feature about a boy and his pet monster, is an anti drug horror comedy that is almost as good as his first film Basket Case (1981) [Watch for the Basket Case related in joke when actor Kevin VanHentenryck appears in a subway scene]. The non-human star, is a worm-like critter named Aylmer. The slimy penis shaped parasite comes in the possession of young Brian [Rick Herbst], and begins to gain control of him. The singing, and joke telling Aylmer sinks hooks into Brian's neck, secreting a strange blue liquid that gives his brain a jolt of psychedelic goodies, 'color, music and euphoria'. In exchange for injecting this marvelous hallucinogen into Brian's brain, the Aylmer incites its host to find it victims, from whom it sucks brains. Aylmer argues that it's all right to kill people, as long as Brian isn't directly involved. Kicking his wisecracking pain in the neck, is the only way for Brian to survive. When originally released, the film slipped onto video shelves virtually unnoticed. Thankfully Synapse Films have re-released this cult classic on DVD, and have restored this print to include the much talked about ...................... that Paramount didn't have the guts to include. The strong sexual footage is played up, mostly for laughs. Very funny 42nd street humor is contained on the commentary track. Review by: Fringe Video.

Poor Elmer, He Shouldn't Have Died, But Still, This Is Great
Brain Damage Was Excellently Funny & Gruesome. One Of The Funniest Movie I Ever Seen. Sadly, Elmer Bit The Dust At The End, He Was Great.

One of the best movies ever
Brain damage noe of the most excellent movies i have ever seen. It has the best story and the most interesting characters ive seen in a while. The gore and special effects are a masterpiece. I highly recomend this movie to anyone who likes cult classics. If i had to compare it i would say its kind of like a troma movie but not funny. Everyone needs to see this movie. the first scene will send chills down your backside.

DownRok
Yeah, I saw this picture during the Dane Tour 2000. Its about some freakish little alien that looks like a cartoon.The alien is named Elmo and he feeds on brains or something. People let the little parasite feed on them because elmo gives them an addictive hallucinogen. In the end the main character gets over sauced with the crazy drug and starts firing Corona Beams out of his head.(see cover) ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Lost and Found
I have to admit I was skeptical of watching Al Pacino try his hand at ANY Shakespeare, much less Richard III, which isn't the easiest play to put on in the first place. But by the end I actually quite enjoyed the whole production, even if I wouldn't call it a masterpiece.

I'd recommend this film to anybody who enjoys the Bard, live at Stratford or even if it's some over-the-top movie version--and particularly for high school students who are still a little too dense to totally 'get' Shakespeare. It's informative for the uninitiated, and as a documentary, it works reasonably well, and moves at a brisk enough pace so you're not bored stiff.

Add to that some particularly insightful words from Derek Jacobi, and Sir John Gielgud (amongst others), it's well worth a rental, and doesn't embarrass any of the actors who were smart enough to take part in this.

And as a reminder to the bloke who trashed this in favour of Ian McKellen's excellent turn as Richard III, this wasn't meant to compete, but instead to enlighten the masses. Who to be quite honest, COULD understand Shakespeare if they put their minds to it, but most don't.

They're usually forced to in grade nine at best.

Amazing for an indepth look
I saw this movie in 1996 while in college on a "movie night" with other actors in my field of study. We were simply electrified by Pacino's depth and power that he put into the understanding of this amazing Shakespeare character. I have performed in Richard III, and believe me, i wished that i had this film to look at during that time to help me with some difficult scenes! I found Pacino to be extremely human, bendable, and thought-provoking; it's a definate must for the Shakespeare lover, and will expand your mind if you love Pacino! At least rent it!

Engaging!
I came across this movie on one of the movie channels on dish and, being a teacher of literature, got completely sucked in. I loved how the actors explore the characters of the play and the various plot sequences, then the audience is treated to the final outcome. Though the scenes are acted out at different locations throughout London, rather than on-stage, and one might say that it detracts from the film's credibility, the locations are well thought out and appropriate to the scene.

I can't wait to use this film as a teaching tool.

Mildly entertaining but also pretty deliberately dumbed down
I like Al Pacino in many movies, especially, of course, Godfather 2. I've seen him on the stage & enjoyed his performances in O'Neill & Mamet.

But to me Shakespeare is not his forte. In this film which I find to be mostly an exercise in actorly self-indulgence, he comes off sounding like Mel Brooks both as narrator & especially in character.

I also find the intent rather condescending & for the most part irrelevant. The gap between English & American actors doing Shakespeare has to do with Language & History. I didn't hear much commentary on these issues. Mostly the film sounds like a treatise for making Shakespeare palatable to grade schoolers.

Pacino's best film ... where's the DVD?
Although Richard III is one of Shakespeare's most violent and Gothic plays, Pacino's loving and intelligent exploration of the classic tragedy - and the legendary bard who penned it - emerges as one of Pacino's most compelling and inspiring films. A movie that makes me proud to be an Italian-American studying for his Ph.D. in British literature. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A Head Game from Hell
1988's BRAIN DAMAGE is the second film from low-budget Grand Guignol writer/director Frank Henenlotter, his first being the grisly over-the-top cult favorite BASKET CASE (1982), and both films established him as the master auteur of bad-taste horror cinema in the 1980s. But despite of the excessive gore and crude sexual elements, Henenlotter's films are a cut above the average trash pics because his well-written scripts are weaved around a daedal subtext that offers wry comments and observations on certain elements or aspects of modern society. With the visceral horror comedy BRAIN DAMAGE, Henenlotter is satirizing the Western propensity for addiction.

BRAIN DAMAGE relates the "mind-blowing" tale of the Faustian bargain made between a young man named Brian and an enigmatic, snake-like parasite named Aylmer (pronounced like the name ELMER). Aylmer dispenses an addictive pleasure-inducing drug directly into Brian's brain, but as payment for each "fix," Brian must transport Aylmer around the city so the parasitic pusher can obtain his favorite food--human brains. Though Brian is generally a nice young man who wouldn't hurt a flea, he finds it impossible to resist the demands of the deceptively cute parasite because of his need and desire for the psychedelic "juice," and he ultimately becomes Aylmer's accomplice in murder.

With a meager budget of circa $600,000, Henenlotter and crew have nonetheless succeeded in crafting BRAIN DAMAGE as a polished, professional-looking film. Yes, the violence is graphic, sophomorically comic, and often over the top, and yes, the film has a crude, puerile sexual element (snake-like Aylmer is obviously a phallic symbol). But these elements actually enhance the film's earnest anti-addiction subtext, as they vociferously underscore the negative effect that addiction has on an addict's personality, his personal life, and the lives of others with whom he has contact.

The acting in the film is rather a mixed bag. As Brian, future soap-opera regular Rick Hearst--then billed under his birth surname of Herbst--does a great job of portraying a boy-next-door type whose life is spiraling out of control due to his addiction. And in an uncredited role, actor John Zacherle--better known to some horror fans as Zacherley, the Cool Ghoul host of New York TV's SHOCK! THEATER--does an outstanding job voicing the smarmy Aylmer. Gordon MacDonald plays Brain's brother, Mike, and Jennifer Lowry his girlfriend, Barbara, and both do an adequate job. Most of the other performances are a bit wooden, but they don't detract too much from the film's overall production quality.

Being a Juvenalian satire of sorts, the often biting humor in BRAIN DAMAGE is dark, off-color & often bawdy, and outrageously offbeat. Much of little Aylmer's dialogue is sarcastically witty, and in one eerie but funny scene, Brian lies writhing on the floor hurting for a "fix" while Elmer sits by and jovially belts out the Glenn Miller standard "Elmer's Tune." Also, in a hilarious homage to Henenlotter's previous film, BASKET CASE, the star of that film, Kevin VanHentenryck, gets on the subway with a familiar wicker basket in hand and takes the seat opposite Brian.

The Special Edition "Limited Availability" DVD from Synapse presents a high-definition transfer of BRAIN DAMAGE in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, and the transfer appears vibrant, clean, and relatively free of digital artifacts. This is the unrated restored version, so all of the gore and innuendo that was cut for the U.S. theatrical release has been put back where it belongs. There are also some cool extras, including a very witty feature commentary featuring writer/director Henenlotter, former FANGORIA editor Robert Martin, and filmmaker Scooter McCrae (who has worked with Henenlotter). Also included is the theatrical trailer (in 1.85:1 aspect ratio), a "hidden" trailer for BASKET CASE, and an isolated-musical-score audio option.

To sum up, BRAIN DAMAGE is a movie with a somber subtext, but writer/director Frank Henenlotter doesn't let that get in the way of all the cheesy fun. Sure, the anti-addiction allegory can't be missed, but Henenlotter also knows that the monkey on his antihero's back is an ideal springboard for lots of offbeat and bawdy gallows humor, and he milks it for all it's worth. Admittedly, BRAIN DAMAGE will not appeal to every viewer's tastes, but those seeking a Family Film or a Chick Flick probably shouldn't be perusing the listings for the horror DVDs anyway.

Brain Damage (1987) d: Henenlotter, Frank
Frank Henenlotter's second low-budget feature about a boy and his pet monster, is an anti drug horror comedy that is almost as good as his first film Basket Case (1981) [Watch for the Basket Case related in joke when actor Kevin VanHentenryck appears in a subway scene]. The non-human star, is a worm-like critter named Aylmer. The slimy penis shaped parasite comes in the possession of young Brian [Rick Herbst], and begins to gain control of him. The singing, and joke telling Aylmer sinks hooks into Brian's neck, secreting a strange blue liquid that gives his brain a jolt of psychedelic goodies, 'color, music and euphoria'. In exchange for injecting this marvelous hallucinogen into Brian's brain, the Aylmer incites its host to find it victims, from whom it sucks brains. Aylmer argues that it's all right to kill people, as long as Brian isn't directly involved. Kicking his wisecracking pain in the neck, is the only way for Brian to survive. When originally released, the film slipped onto video shelves virtually unnoticed. Thankfully Synapse Films have re-released this cult classic on DVD, and have restored this print to include the much talked about ...................... that Paramount didn't have the guts to include. The strong sexual footage is played up, mostly for laughs. Very funny 42nd street humor is contained on the commentary track. Review by: Fringe Video.

Poor Elmer, He Shouldn't Have Died, But Still, This Is Great
Brain Damage Was Excellently Funny & Gruesome. One Of The Funniest Movie I Ever Seen. Sadly, Elmer Bit The Dust At The End, He Was Great.

One of the best movies ever
Brain damage noe of the most excellent movies i have ever seen. It has the best story and the most interesting characters ive seen in a while. The gore and special effects are a masterpiece. I highly recomend this movie to anyone who likes cult classics. If i had to compare it i would say its kind of like a troma movie but not funny. Everyone needs to see this movie. the first scene will send chills down your backside.

DownRok
Yeah, I saw this picture during the Dane Tour 2000. Its about some freakish little alien that looks like a cartoon.The alien is named Elmo and he feeds on brains or something. People let the little parasite feed on them because elmo gives them an addictive hallucinogen. In the end the main character gets over sauced with the crazy drug and starts firing Corona Beams out of his head.(see cover) ... Read more