The original: 

Darkman (1990)

​​

Directed by: 

Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead trilogy, The Spider-Man trilogy, A Simple Plan, The Quick and the Dead)

​

Starring: 

Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Larry Drake, Colin Friels, Jessie Lawrence Ferguson, Ted Raimi, Nicholas Worth and Bruce Campbell

 

When brilliant Scientist Peyton Westlake (Neeson) is savagely attacked and left for dead, he re-emerges unhinged, untamed and super-charged, looking for vengeance.

Burnt, deformed and driven mad by uncontrollable rage and a growing disconnect between the man he was and the monster he is becoming, Westlake becomes Darkman, ruthless vigilante and gothic superhero.

​

While waging war on the criminals who created his new, unhinged personae, Westlake also tries to reconnect with his lost love, Julie (McDormand), who believes him dead. But can this Beauty ever accept her Beast?

​

Utilising Westlake’s formula for a revolutionary fake skin and his natural ability for mimicry, Darkman is able to disguise himself as anyone, infiltrate anywhere; using his ‘powers’ to bring down organised crime from the inside, picking off members of the gang that destroyed his life one by one while discovering a deeper threat and hidden menace to the city and the love of his life.

​

Part superhero adventure, part Classic Monster fable- Phantom of the Opera meets The Shadow- with strong themes ranging from isolation, love lost and rage unchecked, the film is funny, violent, zany, tragic and thrilling.

 

Darkman runs the gauntlet between cartoonish thrills and action, sombre pathos and tragic gothic-romance, all streaked with Raimi’s trademark invention, flair and black humour.

​

The visuals are arresting and the pace lively, with surrealist touches and stylistic flourishes making this a distinct and memorable romp.

​

Just don’t call him a freak.

​

​

​

“What is it about the dark? What secret does it hold?”

​

“I’m everyone and no one. Everywhere and no where. Call me.. Darkman.”

​

“Take the fucking elephant!”