October is Here, So It’s Time To Stream the Number 1 Goth Revenge Film Ever Made
As I sit here writing this, the calendar has officially turned over to October. Rejoice, horror fans! The spookiest time of the year is here. If you’re like me, you’re probably looking for recs to add to what I imagine is a long list of genre treats to watch during the month. Whether you’ve seen it a thousand times or have yet to engage in the spiritual experience that is watching The Crow (1994), I can’t allow Halloween to pass without suggesting this cult classic.
There are some films that manage to transcend the screen and become notes of significance in our culture. I’m sure most of you know the story behind The Crow. Intended to be the breakout film for star Brandon Lee (son of Martial Arts idol, Bruce Lee), the actor tragically passed away during an on-set accident. Production shut down and it seemed the film would never see the light of day. Nevertheless, director Alex Proyas (Dark City) saw it to completion. What resulted was a gothic masterpiece that you can stream now on Paramount+.
What’s The Crow About?
Based on the comic by James O’Barr and adapted for the screen by David J. Schow and John Shirley, the film opens on the night before Halloween. Dubbed Devil’s Night, it’s a time when anarchists set the city of Detroit ablaze. Amid that chaos, Eric Draven (Lee) and his fiancé, Shelly (Sofia Shinas), are murdered in cold blood by a group of misfit criminals. One year later, Eric rises from the dead. Through the power of the crow, he has been given a chance at vengeance. Over the course of twenty-four hours, he plans on making his killers witness what true hell is.
A Haunting Showcase of Brandon Lee’s Talent
For Dread, Gabriel Theis wrote a wonderful piece on the legacy of the “cult sensation” that was The Crow, referring to it as a “lightning-in-the-bottle winning combination of talent”.
I could caw all day about what makes The Crow one of the best comic book adaptations of all time. The rich, gothic atmosphere. The stunning cinematography. Proyas visionary direction. A cast that includes the likes of Ernie Hudson, David Patrick Kelly, Jon Polito, Tony Todd, and main baddie, Michael Wincott. But The Crow wouldn’t be what it is if not for Brandon Lee.
Through brilliant writing and Lee’s mesmerizing performance, there’s an unexpected softness to Eric Draven that makes him stand out from your average vengeance-driven protagonist. Thoughtful dialogue pours from Lee’s lips like poetry. He’s wrapped by a grief-stricken sadness and rage that channels the gothic mourning of Poe and the vengeful violence of The Punisher. Knowing that he passed away while filming adds a haunting element that makes the film feel almost spiritual. At one point, Lee utters, “I’m dead and I move”. It’s as if the actor is speaking to us from beyond the grave. And he’s right. His spirit remains with us through The Crow.
If you have yet to see The Crow or just want to relive this gothic masterpiece, there’s no better time than October. Over thirty years later, it remains a stirring showcase of the gifted talent that was Brandon Lee.
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