With the popularity of slasher films in the early 1980s, numerous studios tried making their own hoping for success. After gathering the funds from some investors, producer Marianne Kanter set about making a slasher in 1983. Kanter hired John Grissmer, whose only directing credit was the 1977 horror film Scalpel, to helm the project. While most of the cast was relatively unknown, the filmmakers hired Louise Lasser, best known for Woody Allen’s Bananas. Unfortunately, the film ran into numerous production problems, including director John Grissmer leaving over disagreements with Louise Lasser. Fortunately, Kanter convinced Grissmer to return and finish the movie, which was then titled Nightmare at Shadow Woods. Unfortunately, the film sat on the shelf for four years before getting a limited theatrical release in 1987. While heavily edited for theaters, the movie was released uncut on VHS under the new title Blood Rage.
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Synopsis
In 1974, young Terry killed a couple making love and pinned the blame on his brother Todd. Ten years later, Terry (Mark Soper) lives with his mother, Maddy (Louise Lasser), while Todd (Mark Soper) has been institutionalized. Maddy is engaged to marry Brad (William Fuller), who owns the apartment complex she and Terry live at. Unbeknownst to them, Todd has escaped the mental institution and is pursued by Dr. Berman (Marianne Kanter). These events cause Terry to snap and resume his murdering ways as he kills Brad, Dr. Berman, and anyone else. Ultimately, Terry plans on pinning the murders on Todd as he did years ago while Todd tries clearing his name. When Maddy gets word of Todd’s escape, she gets worried and starts drinking, unaware of all the murders around her. Will Todd be able to clear his name, and who will fall victim to Terry’s blood rage?
Review
As far as slasher films go, Blood Rage is pretty standard, though it has a few things going for it. For instance, while none of the performances are outstanding, they’re above average for this type of movie. Even if it feels like she’d rather be anywhere else, Louise Lasser is easily the best actor in the film. Granted, most of her screen time is spent eating leftovers, drinking wine, and drunkenly calling people on the phone. Still, there are moments where she gives a heartfelt performance that’s almost way too good for this movie. Also, Mark Soper does a decent job playing twins, giving each one a distinct personality to help differentiate the two. Admittedly, the rest of the cast is pretty forgettable, but I wouldn’t say there was anyone who was particularly annoying. The actors do their best even if the material isn’t the greatest.
Given its low budget, the gore effects are top-notch, whether someone is cut in half or a head splits open. The makeup effects were done by Ed French, who also worked on Sleepaway Camp, The Stuff, and Vampire’s Kiss. Also, the music by composer Richard Einhorn, who also worked on The Prowler, is pretty catchy and fits the film. On the downside, some aspects of the story, such as the motivations, don’t make much sense. After the opening scene, Terry lives happily while his brother is locked away, but Terry kills again for no reason. Why would he return to his murderous ways when he’s living well while people think his brother is a killer? There’s even a moment when a character asks Terry why he’s doing this, but there’s no explanation given. Overall, Blood Rage has some decent performances and gore effects, but the story is a mess.
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