Plot
The film follows the story of two female friends, Tara (Jenna Kanell) and Dawn (Catherine Corcoran) that meet the vicious (and silent) Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) on Halloween night. As the night progresses Art's games of scheming become more violent and the two characters are forced to fight off the cruel assault. The plot may not be groundbreaking however it is an effective way to showcase the strengths of the film which is the terrifying and frightening entity it is Art the Clown.
Practical Effects and Gruesome Imagery
One thing that stands out in "Terrifier" will be the dedication to the use of practical effects. This is a period in which CGI is now the most popular choice for many film makers, Leone's decision to make use of real effects not only brings back the classic horrorfilms, but also provides an intense, tangible feel to the gore. The novel and gruesome deaths are testament to the creativeness of the special effects team, led by Leone himself, who has a background working in SFX makeup. From the horrific dismemberment of an actor to the disgusting facial mutilations in another "Terrifier" breaks the boundaries of what can be seen on screen, and gives shockingly horrific scenes.
David Howard Thornton's shocking performance as Art the Clown
The most striking aspect of "Terrifier" that makes it stand out unlike other movies about horror the unsettling performance of David Howard Thornton as Art the Clown. Thornton's portrayal as the menacing, silent figure is an absolute source of nightmares. With his face painted in white his exaggerated smile, as well as eyelashes that are dark, Art the Clown is a visually striking figure who has a look of malice that is evident in every move.Thornton's physical acrobatics are exceptional, demonstrating a (click now to read blog posts) mastery of facial expressions and body language that make every move of Art terrifying. His performance is further enhanced by his absolute absence of dialogue leaving the actor entirely on his body and face to convey Art's sinister intentions. This silence only adds to the character's dread-inducing presence which makes him one of the most frightening horror movie villains of the 21st century.
The Film's Low Budget: A Testament to Creativity and resourcefulness
Another remarkable aspect of "Terrifier" the capacity to provide a truly terrifying adventure on a shoestring. The film was said to have been made at around $100,000, a only a fraction of what the majority of horror movies cost to make. Despite this constraint, Leone has managed to create an aesthetically stunning and deeply unsettling experience that competes with some of the more expensive horror films.
The filmmakers' inventiveness can be seen in the film's gritty, urban setting, which effectively creates a feeling of isolation and vulnerability. Furthermore, the film's limited budget probably influenced the decision to utilize practical effects that, as we've already mentioned are only meant to enhance the film's overall impact.
Critical Reception and Fan Response
"Terrifier" is popular with the public and critics, and has earned an unofficial following in the horror community. Film critics have praised the film because of its imaginative effects, Thornton's terrifying performance playing Art the Clown, and its ability to create an intense experience even on an extremely limited budget. People who love the genre are embracing the film for its brutality and uncompromising atmosphere as well as its memorable villain.
Conclusion
In the end, Damien Leone's "Terrifier" is an exemplary illustration of what can be made of creativity, resourcefulness, and a deep knowledge of what makes horror truly terrifying. Through its horrifyingly realistic effects and David Howard Thornton's eerie depiction of Art the Clown and its impressive success on the basis of a small budget "Terrifier" made its mark among the best scary films from the twenty-first century. For those who enjoy the genre this film isn't to be overlooked.
Director: Damien Leone
Starring: David Howard Thornton, Jenna Kanell, Samantha Scaffidi
Release Date: October 15, 2016
Score: 9/10