Plot
The film tells the story of two friends Tara (Jenna Kanell) and Dawn (Catherine Corcoran) as they encounter the vicious (and silent) Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) on Halloween night. The night goes on, Art's bizarre games grow increasingly violent, and the two friends have to fight for their lives against the brutal assault. The story may not be revolutionary however, it's an effective vehicle to highlight what the film is really about its dark, terrifying character of Art the Clown.
Graphic Effects and Gruesome Imagery
The standout feature of "Terrifier" it's dedication to real-world effects. In a time when CGI has become the default choice for many filmmakers, Leone's preference to make use of real effects not only is a nod to the old-fashioned gore, but also imparts an intense, tangible feel to the gore. The shockingly inventive killings showcase how creative the special effects crew, which is led by Leone himself who has a background with SFX makeup. From the brutal dismemberment and dismemberment of one individual to the gross facial mutilations of another "Terrifier" extends the boundaries of the screen's violence and provides shockingly horrific scenes.
David Howard Thornton's Unsettling Performance in the role of Art the Clown
The most notable aspect of "Terrifier" that sets it apart and other horror film is the incredibly disturbing performance of David Howard Thornton as Art the Clown. Thornton's portrayal as the silent, menacing character is an absolute source of nightmares. With his white face paint along with his exaggerated smile and dark eyes, Art the Clown is visually stunning and conveys malice in every step.
Thornton's physical acting is exceptional with his mastery of facial expressions and body language which render Art's entire behavior frightening. His performance is further enhanced by the completely silent dialogue, leaving the actor entirely on his body, and face to convey Art's twisted motives. This silence only adds to the character's terrifying presence and makes him one of the most terrifying horror movie villains of the 21st century.
The Film's Limited Budget A Test of Creativity, and resourcefulness
Another noteworthy aspect of "Terrifier" it's ability to provide a truly terrifying film with a minimal budget. The film was created for about $100,000, which is a only a fraction of what the majority of horror films cost to make. But despite this fact, Leone has managed to create an impressive and deeply unsettling film that has the same quality as several more costly horror films.
The filmmakers' resourcefulness is evident by the film's rough, urban setting, which effectively conveys the impression of being in isolation and vulnerability. Also, the small budget probably influenced the decision to use realistic effects and, as previously stated can only help to increase the film's overall impact.
A Critical Reception Response and Fan Response
"Terrifier" is popular with the public and critics, and has earned its fans a loyal following within the horror community. Reviewers have praised the film for its original practical effects, Thornton's shivering performance acting as Art the Clown, and its ability to create an incredibly terrifying experience with a limited budget. Filmgoers have embraced the film due to its uncompromising brutality, awe-inspiring atmosphere and unforgettable villain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Damien Leo's "Terrifier" is a shining example of the kind of film that can be created with imagination, skill and a profound understanding of what makes horror truly frightening. Its horrifying, practical effects and David Howard Thornton's eerie portrayal of Art the Clown, and its amazing success with an (click clip) extremely limited budget "Terrifier" was able to earn its place in the top scary films from the twenty-first century. For fans of the genre this film isn't to be ignored.
Directed by Damien Leone
Starring: David Howard Thornton, Jenna Kanell, Samantha Scaffidi
Day of Release: 15 October 2016
Rating: 96 out of 100