Written and directed by Vernon Zimmerman. Starring Dennis Christopher, Linda Kerridge, Tim Thomerson, Mickey Rourke, Peter Horton and Gwynne Gilford.
Plot: a lonely film buff, Eric, goes on a killing spree after being spurned by a girl
Eric (Dennis Christopher, ten years before he was Eddie Kasprak), lives with his aunt who is a real bitch to him. Feeling lonely, he makes a date with a Marilyn Monroe look-a-like who forgets about him because she’s with another guy. When he goes home, his aunt starts in on him right away – again – and he pushes her and her wheelchair down the stairs. Since it looks like an accident, he gets away with it. Then, he gets the idea to do more. So, he starts to dress up in costumes (Dracula, a mummy, a cowboy, etc.) and do away with the people who piss him off.
We liked the movie and we really liked Dennis Christopher in it, although after seeing him as Eddie Kasprak first, it was very hard to watch him masturbate. Be warned. It happens. It’s original though and the costumes were cool. There were no boob shots and there really should have been. I mean, there’s a masturbation scene, but no boobs? What is that about?
There’s only one thing we really HATED about the movie and it’s kind of a big deal. The message was bullshit. In effect, it suggests that the movies made him do it. That horror movies, or violent movies in general, can cause someone to kill. So, I guess any minute now we’re all going to go crazy. That’s a bad message for a horror movie and for horror fans. We still recommend it though. Just don’t take the message to heart.
I suppose I could list my favorite movies here, but instead I'll give you a strange glimpse into what makes me TaraRomero.
1. I met George Romero. He was the kindest and sweetest man. He talked to me for longer than he should have with the line getting longer. He also held my hand. And when he noticed the ladybug I have tattooed on my wrist, he said he liked it and asked me it's name. Till then, it had not had a name. Now, I call him George.
2. I love stickers. All stickers. I just adore them. I even ask for stickers for Christmas! As a matter of fact, the birthday that just past, every member of my immediate family gave me sticker packs as gifts. Affordable and extremely appreciated.
3. I have never put much stock in astrology or horoscopes, but I LOVE the magic of the MBTI. Omg. I am an INFP and it actually sounds just like me. Introverted mostly. Creative always. Heart before head and not the most logical. Totally me! For better or worse.
4. It's no surprise I count horror so high up on the list of things that make me, me. However, it's so within my soul that I was part of the Horror Club in college. Interesting bunch. And even took a Horror Lit class as an elective. I got an A.
5. Coffee always makes me happy. Always. I'm particularly fond of caramel macchiatos. But I'll drink black coffee if it's the only thing available.
6. I hate shock for the sake of shock and endings that depress me. I always mention the movies Within (2016) and the Eli Roth produced, written and starred in, Aftershock (2012), as proof of this distate I have. I abhor the idea that just because I like horror, some people think I'd actually praise a movie that lets you think the "Final Girl" just made it through the night, only to slap her in the face with a tsunami.
7. We are big time animal people. I mean, if I could, I'd have an elephant, a bear, a zebra, a penguin, an otter and a meerkat, living with me. Seriously though. We have 2 dogs right now and 2 cats. Both cats we picked up when they each came to our front door hungry. And both dogs we got from 2 different sets of neighbors. Both who, unfortunately, don't know how to care for pets long-term. But they're happy and healthy now!!
8. Revisiting my love of horror, one of the above cats, my cat, is a little black guy named Church. Because Pet Sematary. His middle name is even Pascow. To give credit where credit's due, the name was DJ's idea. But he loves horror too!
9. I'm big into art. Along with movie posters and an Anne Frank quote, I have some actual paintings on my wall. I really think Dali paints beautifully when he wants to. And if I don't get to see Michaelangelo's Pieta in person some day, I will be very disappointed.
10. Lastly, I find Emily Dickinson's poetry intriguing. I took an elective course about her as well. But do you know I injected horror even there? I was given a poem to dissect and I picked one on death, of course. Then, I researched old "Death Photos" and even printed out copies for everyone in the class. They were so interested in looking at them that it stopped them from all looking at me, and I was able to deal quite well with my stage fright. Haha
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2 thoughts on “Fade to Black (1980)”
I saw this movie many years ago on HBO – I thought it was pretty good – never heard of it anywhere again – thanks for posting!
I saw this movie many years ago on HBO – I thought it was pretty good – never heard of it anywhere again – thanks for posting!
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Your welcome!! Thanks for reading!!
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