Plot
The film follows the tale about two of them, Tara (Jenna Kanell) and Dawn (Catherine Corcoran), who encounter the evil but silent Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) on Halloween night. As the night progresses, Art's perverse games become more violent and the two pals must fight to stay alive to his gruesome assault. The plot may not be revolutionary however it is an effective means of highlighting the movie's strengths in the dark and terrifying entity that is Art the Clown.
Pictures with practical effects and gruesome imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "Terrifier" one of its most notable features is its dedication towards practical effects. In an era where CGI is now the standard for many filmmakers, the decision of Leone to use practical effects not only is a nod to the old-fashioned horror, but adds an uncanny, tangible feeling to the film's gore. The incredibly gruesome and inventive deaths are testament to the inventiveness of the special effects crew, which is led by Leone himself with a background of SFX makeup. From the brutal dismemberment and dismemberment of one character to the horrific facial mutilations of another "Terrifier" breaks the boundaries of violence that is onscreen and creates an incredibly terrifying experience.
David Howard Thornton's Strange Performance as Art the Clown
The most striking aspect of "Terrifier" that makes it stand out unlike other movies about horror the frightening performance of David Howard Thornton as Art the Clown. Thornton's portrayal as the silent, menacing character is the stuff of nightmares. With his white face paint over-exaggerated smile as well as eyes that are black, Art the Clown is an aesthetically striking character who emits a sense of malice with every step.Thornton's physical acting is exceptional performing a flawless mastery of body language and facial expressions that make Art's actions frightening. The performance is further enhanced by his completely silent dialogue, leaving the actor solely on his body and facial expressions to convey Art's deranged intentions. This lack of dialogue only amplifies his terrifying appearance which makes him one of the most terrifying horror movie villains of the 21st century.
The Film's Limited Budget An ode to creativity and Resourcefulness
Another great thing about "Terrifier" was its ability to provide a truly frightening experience with a small budget. The film was said to have been made for around $100,000, a just a tiny fraction of what horror films cost to create. Despite this constraint, Leone has managed to create a visually stunning and deeply disturbing experience that compares favorably to other high-budget horror movies.
The filmmakers' skill can be seen in the film's gritty, urban setting, which effectively conveys a sense of isolation and vulnerability. Also, the small budget may have led to the choice to incorporate practical effects which, as already mentioned could only boost the film's overall impact.
Critic Reception, and the Response of Fans
"Terrifier" is highly acclaimed by the public and critics, and has earned a cult following within the horror scene. Critics have praised the movie for its unique practical effects, Thornton's shivering performance on screen as Art the Clown, and the ability to deliver an intense experience even on an extremely limited budget. People who love the genre have embraced the film because of its unapologetic brutality, shocking atmosphere as well as its memorable villain.
Conclusion
Damien Leone's "Terrifier" is an exemplary example of the kind of film that can be achieved with creativity, resourcefulness as well as a deep understanding of what makes horror truly frightening. With its terrifying practical effects along with David Howard Thornton's shocking depiction of Art the Clown, and its amazing success with an extremely limited budget "Terrifier" was able to earn its place review in the top horror films of the 21st century. For those who enjoy the genre, this film is not to be left out.
Director: Damien Leone
Starring: David Howard Thornton, Jenna Kanell, Samantha Scaffidi
Launch Date: October 15, 2016
Rating: 4/5