The Evil Dead (1981) Review

Written by: BlackTequilaKiss   

The beginning of a legend and a cult classic by all standards. This movie is the one that definitively shows that a small budget horror flick can still leave a mark years on and is a movie I still love and respect in equal amount. Not to mention this is insane!

Simple little storyline works in the mould of five friends travelling to a cabin in the woods for peace and solitude and whilst there unknowingly releasing flesh possessed demons.

Why does this film have such a status? Easy. It's gory, it has an ominous tone and it doesn't rely on cheap gimmicks to get pulses racing. Aside from that it creates a smooth plot which doesn't curtain tail or twist in so many directions but gives you what you want. I'm still amazed this is where Raimi started and where he ended up but kudos to the guy, kudos.

For my money this is a fun little flick that I never tire of.

I would love to get into a spiel on every character / cast member in the movie but hell this girl has gotta say it. BRUCE!!! Hehe, what I loved is at the beginning of the film and for a good portion whilst the flesh eaters are gunning for him and his friends, he remains in the background, seemingly afraid to do anything. But when left alone against dark forces he final brings out the big guns and shows us why we just love this guy. Once he showed his mettle I was cheering him on all the way. Simply, utterly awesome!

Now considering this movie was low budget I have to give my admiration to the score accompanying the movie. It was never over-the-top or insanely done but actually quite calm and eerie. You know something is due to happen when the crescendo of the music rises (albeit slightly) but not quite what and the moment still grabs you. Very creepy, dark music it actually was a perfect score to this movie.

I adored the camera usage throughout the movie, relying on just two cameras it has that shaky premise that actually suits this film well. With all the running, screams and blood, the shaking effect adds a little more intensity to the movie and bodes well. All in all just brilliant.

Do I really need say anything of the gore? This is as we all know why it ended up dubbed a 'Video Nasty' along with the infamous scene, y'all know what I mean but c'mon the gore is literally over the top, nasty, in your face and so much fun to watch. I loved every bloody moment, loved every dismemberment, loved the ripping; slashing and general bodily motions. It was oh so Sweet! and is proof that horror movies work even better with less CGI and more old-school, take note newbie Horror directors! I have NO complaints whatsoever and still love this.

There is a reason this as gained so much notice over the years. Part of it comes from the Video Nasty label and people dying to go against expectations to see this and the other comes from the fact this is a well made lesser budget movie that does not preach or patronise. It doesn't use gimmicks like sex to it's peril and it definitely created the B-Movie legend, Bruce Campbell.

For all these reasons alone it is a brilliant movie and it makes me laugh, gasp and look in sheer shock from the start to the very (might I add, awesome!) ending. This is pure beauty wrapped in blood, guts and mayhem. Watch it if you haven't already seen this little beauty. I, for one, refuse to find any fault with this film.

I have seen it 10 times and it never gets old. I have nothing more to add :) Except for, fu*king fantastic!