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THE CLOWN MURDERS (1976)
Directed by Martyn Burke
Image Entertainment DVD
Reviewed 07.05.07
Review by Joseph A. Ziemba
THE FILM
It's always nice to see a troubled
friend, relative, or confidant grow
and mature into a healthy human
being. The same goes for horror
movies.
During the first twenty minutes
of The Clown Murders, the
particulars of Polo, real estate,
poker, and fat jokes were more than
fully explored. This film was doomed.
But, thanks to the immortal John
Candy in an inspired, non-comedic
role (Del Griffith, is that really
you?), as well as the promise of
a clown-as-a-slasher, my demeanor
remained positive. Thanks, demeanor.
I owe you one.
Canada's own The Clown Murders
wakes up as a failed soap opera,
steps out as a stiff thriller, and
finishes the day as a weirdo slasher
sensation. Evolution is a beautiful
thing. Dropping somewhere between
the cheap isolation of Savage
Weekend and the baffled-yet-classy
rhythms of Happy
Birthday To Me, Clown
concerns a group of high-rollers,
their botched, clown-themed practical
joke on Halloween, and the unsettling
strangeness which occurs as a result.
A dark farm house. Murder. Sexual
predicaments. Sinister whispers.
Psychological strain. Chicken beheadings.
And yes, the motiveless, unknown
Clown Slasher. As the elements mingle,
the film ripens. And succeeds. That's
all you need to know.
Throw out the first thirty minutes;
embrace the remaining hour. The
Clown Murders does not concern
itself with reasoning or consistency.
Instead, it all builds towards a
mood. A lovely mood. Unfolding entirely
over Halloween night, the film complements
its odd affairs with hooky orchestral
cues (ELO's "No Answer"
would definitely approve), spookhouse
theatrics, go-for-broke acting (the
impressive, un-Candy John Candy,
in particular), and gloomy visuals.
As the final, desperate twenty minutes
easily erase all earlier doubts,
the message is clear. Less fat jokes,
more confusion -- isn't that what
maturity is all about?
Here's to your good health, my Canuck
friend.
AUDIO AND VIDEO
I've had the Interglobal VHS of
The Clown Murders for years.
Unfortunately, I never got around
to watching it. My loss. The DVD's
box art advertises a 1.33:1 aspect
ratio, but that's total jive. Presented
in some kind of widescreen, the
print is warm, fuzzy, slightly stretched,
and filled with overcast colors.
Upon comparison with the VHS, it's
clear that this DVD, while not a
stone fox, is an improvement. And
that's the whole point.
EXTRAS
Animated scene selection menus!
Whoopeeding!
FINAL THOUGHTS
When the house creaks and the city
sleeps, it's time for The Clown
Murders. This aloof, Halloween-set
semi-slasher was built for midnight
viewings. Due to a deadened kick
off, Clown will never top
your personal bests. Yet, the good
stuff will make you feel very, very
good. Don't put it off or The Clowns
from Terror
On Tour might show up and
sleaze your house down. |
We loves ya, LaRue
Oh, c'mon!
The Last Fat Joke
The best I could do
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