Lord of Illusions (1995) - Review and Analysis by Scott Wood for Critical-Film.com

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Lord of Illusions A film review by Scott Wood For Critical-film.com   While it may have been the “Hellraiser” series that spawned countless sequels (well not countless; more like seven), it is “Lord of Illusions” that is Clive Barker's directorial masterpiece. By fusing detective noir and horror, and throwing in some amazingly unique imagery, Barker has created a truly disturbing, one-of-a-kind movie that stands up to the best of the genre.   There is an intrigue that is intrinsically intertwined with the concept of magic, or the performance of illusion. I have seen illusionists execute acts, as I am sure many people have, that are simply without logical explanation. I suppose part of my interest in the subject is based on the fact that I like to believe that illusionists have the ability to exhibit superhuman abilities. It is the child in me, this sort of make-believe train of thought, that makes me watch such performers and convince myself that there is genuinely no way a human being could accomplish such feats. My mature, logical side knows that there is no way “real” magic can exist, but Barker is not concerned with this more boring facet, and plants his film firmly within a fantasy realm. Fantasy is what Barker does best, but he always manages a way to create it without alienating his audience. There is always something very real about what he creates, as though he actually knows something that is hidden just out of our reach.   His method of introducing us to his imagination in “Lord of Illusions” is via Scott Bakula (detective Harry D'Amour), who is instantly likable and identifiable in the lead role. D'Amour has had dealings in the past with the supernatural, but he is a fantastic introductory character as he is weary and inquisitive, rather than instantly knowledgeable about his situation. The audience has the ability to latch on to a character such as this, who reacts to things in a recognizable and familiar way. D'Amour also fits the noir stereotype as someone who is involved in a mystery that is far out of his depth, and it is more credit to his insatiable curiosity that he survives than it is anything else.   But, it is not only the fusion of film noir and horror that makes “Lord of Illusions” unique, it is also the approach that Barker takes with his horror that distinguishes his film from other genre pictures. Barker does not go for the cheap thrills and scares, but more for ideas and disturbing imagery. This is contrary to horror flicks that come out in droves nowadays like the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” remakes, which are built on single scenes alone and hold no lasting effect. Barker's brand of horror is thought-provoking, gut-wrenching, and occasionally beautiful. This stands true not only for this movie but all of his other work as well. While it is a more genuinely lasting vision than other examples of horror media, it may not be palatable to people who crave the cheap scares. I am not attempting to insult those of you whom this applies to, it may be the very reason you like horror at all, and that is fine. There are many fine examples of the genre that are there for mere enjoyment; “Lord of Illusions” is simply not one of them.   The only thing that holds this picture back from joining the ranks of the horror greats is that it has not aged well. Scott Bakula, while at one time may have seemed like a promising star, is now a B-list actor at best. It may seem laughable to be watching a movie with Bakula as the star, and that doesn't help matters. Also, while the special effects at the time of “Lord of Illusions'” release were imaginative and well-done, they pale in comparison to what can be achieved nowadays, and look cheap. The disbelief can be suspended, but it shouldn't have to be. Without this suspension, the movie would be far more effective.   Regardless of these points, “Lord of Illusions” still stands as one of the best movies in the horror universe, and also stands as one of my favorite movies of all time. Clive Barker's direction and cinematic adaptation of his written work will probably never achieve this level of quality again.   (Four Stars)   This review was provided in HTML format, as your browser is not capable of displaying flash content. To experience Critical-Film.com the way it was meant to be seen, please download the flash player from <a href="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash&promoid=BIOW">Macromedia</a>.