I finally saw this cult classic from the late eighties. Watched it from an old VHS, and over at Facebook a friend said that it's a film that just has to be watched from VHS.There is indeed certain charm that only low-budget 80's flicks have. But that aside, this is a neat quirky little film that has lots going for it: young Winona Ryder and Christian Slater with their snarling accents, taut script by Daniel Waters (I believe he won the Edgar for the script) and funny late eighties' costumes. The story about two high school lovers who start killing their school mates is twisted and funny. Slater's behaviour is never really explained, which is a good thing, since it might've been awkward. There are also some implausibilities as comes to the behaviour of Winona Ryder's character and her behaviour. The ending with Ryder starting to befriend the high school fatso didn't feel right, even though I can see why they did it that way.
Nevertheless, this is a fun film that hasn't dated badly. (More Overlooked Films here.)
I'm not sure I'd use the word "cheap" to describe HEATHERS...it was put together rather professionally at every level, including having a decent budget. No Corman trip.
ReplyDeleteLoses its steam somewhat at the end when it turns slightly into yer standard thriller, but the first 4 5ths are brilliant, hilarious black comedy.
ReplyDeleteIt can also be seen as a comedy remake of the obscure (and really very cheap) MASSACRE AT CENTRAL HIGH from 1976 which is more of a political parable.
It's also very good on DVD, and even on Blueray in a very large room using a projector...
ReplyDeleteAnd the official Swedish title is either the best or the worst of all time; HÄXOR, LÄXOR OCH DÖDLIGA LEKTIONER which means WITCHES, HOMEWORK AND DEADLY LESSONS.
Yeah, I figured it must be out on DVD, but since I already owned the VHS, I wanted to watch it before I threw it away.
ReplyDeleteTodd: changed the word into "low-budget". You're right about that.