Masters of Horror: Jenifer (2005) - Review and Analysis by Jason Pitt for Critical-Film.com

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Masters of Horror: Jenifer (2005) A film review by Jason Pitt For Critical-film.com   No film-maker has had a greater influence on my approach to film and film-making than Dario Argento. I'd grown up a horror-fiend (still am, actually), yet the American outputs of the 80's, had little or no discernible style. Argento introduced me to the fact that style can certainly increase the effect of the substance of a film, regardless of genre. Also, it can be, simply put, pretty to look at. I think more visual moments from Argento films are ingrained in my mind than any other director. It is here that my love for foreign films, horror and otherwise, began.   Unfortunately Argento's output has become less inventive, both visually, and from a storytelling point of view, over the last decade. I still anxiously await every project he attempts, hoping for a return to the form that originally made me a fan. Although I've yet to see Argento create a film of the same calibre of ‘Tenebre', ‘Profondo Rosso', or ‘Suspiria', the ‘Masters of Horror' entry, “Jenifer” is the closest effort we've seen to classic Argento, from a visual standpoint. The subject matter is quite a bit removed from anything Argento has tackled before – dealing with much more sexual material than his prior works, yet the visual inventiveness we've come to expect from Argento is noticeable from the very first sequence.   The teleplay was written by Steven Weber (yes that Steven Weber, from ‘Wings'), and was based upon a short story that appeared in an issue of Creepy Magazine. Weber is generally not known as a writer, and the only reason I can think of for this inclusion in the ‘Masters on Horror' series, is Weber's previous involvement in Mick Garris' re-imagining of “The Shining”. However it came about, I'm glad it did. “Jenifer” is the best entry in the first season of ‘Masters of Horror', I've seen thus far. Incorporating Argento's unique visual style, with the most sexual (Garris' own ‘Chocolate' excluded) and violent subject matter to date, “Jenifer” is certainly a stronger instalment than those that came prior.   For those unfamiliar – “Jenifer” concerns a cop (Steven Weber) who, after saving a disfigured woman from a madman, finds his sanity slowly deteriorating and his life with his family being destroyed, as his involvement with ‘Jenifer' becomes stronger. What occurs throughout the near-hour long running time is at times both disgustingly violent, and disturbingly sexual. These events however, serve to establish credibility as the plot progresses, and are the foundation for your enjoyment of the picture.   I, for one have been largely impressed by the “Masters of Horror” series. I enjoy seeing some of my favourite directors, creating the types of films I like to see. The series has shown a level of creativity beyond what I would expect. Generally I've been impressed with the quality of output throughout the series. Original works from Carpenter, Argento, and Coscarelli; Stuart Gordon lensed another H.P. Lovecraft adaptation. I'm already anxious to see what Mick Garris has in store for the second season. As far as the first season is concerned, “Jenifer” is the best I've seen, and is the closest work to classic Argento we've seen in years.   (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>.