HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES (2003)

In the rural desolation of backwoods America, an intriguing sideshow attraction lures passing motorists off the highway and in through its neon lit doorway. ‘The Museum of Monsters & Madman’ is a fun house of memorabilia from film, TV and real life serial killers ran by Captain Spalding, the clown faced proprietor who’s vocabulary consists of foul language and a harsh fairground tone. When four kids traveling across country decide to take a detour to visit the museum, things start to go seriously sour after picking up an attractive but deadly hitchhiker who goes by the name of Baby.
The horror in this story of a crazy backwoods family was brought to you by Rob Zombie who, up to this point in his career is more famous for being the front man in the heavy metal band White Zombie. Zombie's feature debut is a clear tribute to all things horror and it's a testimony to the writer/directors knowledge and passion of the genre but it's unfortunate that this jumbled up monkey puzzle of a film comes across as a host of segments that have been poured straight out of somebody's head and onto the screen with out much thought to story flow or ending.

This goes part way to explain just why ‘House..’ was given such shoddy treatment by the studio’s, particularly Universal, as the movie falls into such disarray towards the end that its hard to imagine any exec making head nor tail of the bizarre and frankly pointless finale. Having been shot and completed in 2000, it took 3 years for Lions Gate to throw this one at the fans only to be received with a mixed response. They do say that people are power and a fair few of the Internet crowd bayed for studio blood over the rough handling of Zombies debut making this, rightly or wrongly one of the horror films to see in 2003.

It's not all bad though as Alex Poppas and Tom Richmond's cinematography along with the crazy yet colorful set design makes it a feast for the eye's even if the brain can take a nap for a while. The lack of a consistent image style gives the film an experimental and edgy feel that sits very well with the subject matter. Add to this some pretty good acting performances from Sid Haig as Captain Spaulding, Bill Moseley as the deadly Otis Driftwood and Tom Towles and Walt Goggins as the two police officers, and you have the potential for a great movie, it's just a shame about Zombie's story.
Tartan’s usual high standard is maintained as far as DVD presentation and special features are concerned with several good extras including an exclusive UK only interview with writer/director Rob Zombie, Loads of behind the scenes footage and an audio commentary with Zombie. One thing that will defiantly grab your attention (because you can’t avoid it) is the animated, and very fun menu system. Each menu area is home to a gruesome character from the movie proper and will shower you with insults and strange behavior whilst you make your decision. I don’t normally comment on DVD box artwork but it is interesting to note that Tartan’s chaotic ‘funhouse’ style cover sleeve seems to capture the films spirit better than the rotting face of a zombie which is displayed on the US version. To my eye the US version gives you the impression that it’s a much more serious affair when actually it’s more of a surreal trip down horror’s memory lane.

Score

5 / 10