After how disappointing Transmutations turned out, Clive Barker had his reservations in working with George Pavlou again. Still, the studio convinced Barker to adapt one of his short stories from the Books of Blood, Rawhead Rex. He agreed and wrote a screenplay that was a straight adaptation of his story, but the troubles started again. Once he turned in his script, Barker was barred from the set and not allowed further creative input. Additionally, the studio decided to film in Ireland during the rainy season instead of the original English summer setting. While Barker’s original story had tons of sexual subtext, the final film turned into a standard monster-on-the-loose picture. Though he did have some kind words during production in interviews, Barker has since disowned the film. Though premiering in the UK in 1986, Empire Pictures released Rawhead Rex to the US in 1987.
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Synopsis
American Howard Hallenbeck (David Dukes) travels to Ireland with his wife and kids, searching for religious artifacts. Meanwhile, a local digs up an ancient column, accidentally freeing an ancient demon called Rawhead Rex. Declan O’Brien (Ronan Wilmott) touches the altar at a nearby church and is driven mad by Rawhead’s influence. Rawhead starts rampaging through the Irish countryside, killing anyone in its path while O’Brien grows more insane. Howard catches a glimpse of Rawhead and tries to explain it to the police, but they don’t believe him. He decides to take his family back on the road when his daughter Minty (Cora Lunny) needs a bathroom break. While Howard and his wife Elaine (Kelly Piper) check on her, Rawhead kills their son Robbie (Hugh O’Conor). Now enraged, Howard takes it upon himself to confront O’Brien and find a way to destroy Rawhead Rex.
Review
Considering how poorly Transmutations turned out, it’s shocking that Clive Barker would be willing to try again. To his credit, Rawhead Rex is a much better film, but you can see why Barker wasn’t happy with this. The film takes itself super seriously, but tons of unintentionally campy elements hinder any tension. For one, Rawhead Rex himself looks utterly ridiculous with its bulging eyes, flared nostrils, and misshapen mohawk. From a distance, it looks fine, but whenever you get a good look at its face, it’s too funny. Considering that the original short creature was a 9′ phallus, I can see why they changed it. Admittedly, I would be okay with the creature design if the whole movie was just as ridiculous, but it isn’t. Also, I’m surprised they had any sets left, given all the scenery-chewing Ronan Wilmott was doing with his performance. At least he’s not obnoxiously hammy.
Speaking of acting, most of it ranges from being decent to being pretty dull and uninspired. David Dukes does a pretty good job in the lead role, even if his character makes some dumb decisions. He and Kelly Piper have some decent chemistry, although she’s not given much to do until the very end. Directing-wise, George Pavlou takes full advantage of the Irish countryside and manages to create an effectively spooky mood. It’s evocative of the look and feel of Hammer films from the 50s and 60s, though not as good. There’s also plenty of bloody and gruesome kills for the average gorehound, and it was risky to kill a kid. Parts of the film work as a cheesy monster movie, but it could’ve used more insane moments. Overall, Rawhead Rex isn’t terrible, but it could’ve been so much better. Thankfully, this led to Clive Barker helming a horror classic.
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