For horror film fans the title “Terrifier” and the name Damien Leone should sound familiar, but if they don’t then it shouldn’t be long before they do. Speaking to the audience that hasn’t had the scare of watching this 19 minute trip into the psychotic mind of a demonic clown, then get ready for the new age of horror. It is shocking, gruesome and dark, all the makings of a great film.
A young woman is running low on gas and is forced to stop at the first available station. The lack of an attendee sees her stepping out of the car in search of one. When the attendee appears it’s under uncomfortable circumstances. He chases away a clown who misused his bathroom privileges then goes on to help the young woman. However, the clown known as Art returns with dark motives. The next time the young woman sees the attendant Art is busy hacking him to pieces. This obviously causes the young woman to get into her car and flee. Unfortunately it’s not such an easy escape.
For starters, the movie aims to disturb, especially those with a fear of clowns. Despite the fact that clowns have been a beacon of inspiration for many writers and directors, Leone has really created something unique. From the beginning of the movie you will notice a film grain effect that helps to set the atmosphere. It also helps to emphasize the mixture between a classic and a modern look. This is important to the vision of Leone, because he doesn’t really aim to create something original as much as he wants to reinvent the classic horror genre.
One of the great things about this short movie is the balance between the music and the pace. Leone wasn’t scared to implement a variety of sound in order to build suspense and for a film that’s only 19 minutes long he actually manages to take his time. The gore isn’t melodramatized in the sense that it covers up a lack of storyline, but it’s still done with great shock value. In essence Leone is able to do what some full-length feature films really struggle with, which is to entertain at a high level without losing interest.
If “Terrifier” is the first movie you see from Leone then do yourself a favor and check out his other projects as well. His debut film is called “The 9th Circle” and it’s also where Art the clown came to life. Despite the low budget Leone’s talent for special effects make-up definitely makes it worth the watch. He grew up with slasher movies and when his mother took him to his first horror movie convention it was the start of amazing things. Since then he has become quite the specialist in terms of effects and directing.
He recently released a DVD entitled “All Hallows’ Eve” and it features three short segments, “Terrifier” being the last. He also has an upcoming project called “Frankenstein VS. The Mummy”, but he prefers to keep the details about this one secretive for now. All that we know is Leone will once again be handling the special effects, writing and directing.
Credits:
- Title: Terrifier
- Year: 2011
- Time: 19 Minutes
- Director: Damien Leone
