Madhouse The early '80s was the golden era of slashers. Almost all the films released during this period became cult classics, but among them were dark horses. One of them was Madhouse (1981). Directed by Ovidio Assonitis, previously with Cameron who shot Piranha 2 and the Italian rip-off Jaws, Tentacles (1977). Both films were good, but the stars were missing. So did his first (and last) slasher. And that, it is more a thriller that is closer to Psycho and his imitators than Friday the 13th, for example.
The story tells us about Julia, who works as a teacher, and also has a sister of a maniac and an uncle priest. A few days before her birthday, her sister escapes from the hospital, and people around her begin to die (mostly little needed for the plot, just meat). This is the main problem of the film, its plot is strange and even normal to retell it does not work, let alone understand the logic and lore of the film. Moreover, the writers themselves understood this and at the end inserted a quote that seemed to justify their lazy script and strange motivations. That's what happens in life! It may be, but I'd prefer a more coherent story with normal explanations of what's going on on screen. But we have what we have.
For a slasher, there are few murders, and bloody ones in general, you can literally count on your fingers. It seems to be in the video nasty (the list of the most violent films of the 80s, according to British censors) and it has an expanded version without censorship, but I have no idea which one I watched or whether there is any other on the Internet. So it's clearly not counted for cruelty, and they've seen it better. For the atmosphere plus, filmed qualitatively, and makeup with scenery is good. There are no complaints to the actors, everything is in its place. Technically, I have nothing to complain about.
There are also 2 scenes with massacres of animals, so if you do not like it, then you should definitely not watch. The first one lasts a couple of seconds, but the second one is quite cruel. And speaking of animals, there's a reference to the dog's "Shining," which is funny enough. It may be a coincidence, but I see a connection. The twist at the end becomes clear almost immediately, and even bad repeats “Happy Birthday to me” (here is his advice to watch a great movie).
In the end, we have an average movie from the 80s, which is now deservedly forgotten. Almost no uniqueness, except perhaps the dog as the killer's weapon. Interesting maximum for broadening horizons and as one of the rare representatives of slashers, whose actions take place on the birthday. But at the same time, watching it is not boring and entertain the viewer is quite able.
7 out of 10
