Rawhead Rex

Rawhead Rex

1987

Director- George Pavlou

Cast- David Dukes, Kelly Piper, Ronan Wilmott, Niall Tóibín, Heinrich von Schellendorf

            In Ireland, an ancient demon, Rawhead,  that was imprisoned in the earth in pre-Christian times, is accidentally freed. The creature goes on a murderous rampage killing many of the locals and enthralling others to its will. A visiting American historian is caught up in the carnage when Rawhead kills his son.

            Rawhead seems to have it in particularly for the local church. He kills the minister and enthralls his deacon. One of the highlights of the film is Rawhead baptizing the fallen clergyman with a stream of his demonic urine! As it turns out, hidden in the church’s alter is the secret to Rawhead’s demise.

            The film is based on a story by Clive Barker and Barker wrote the screenplay. However, Barker hated the film and has dissociated himself from it. I think his distaste for the film is probably born from the understandable frustration of a writer seeing his creation  turned into something  other than what he intended, but  the movie isn’t bad. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not great, but it is a unique B monster movie.

            Rather than a Christianity vs. Satan motif, it invokes paganism and anti-Christian antagonism. The monster was well designed even if the design was not well executed. Rawhead looks like a muscular Road Warrior with a shaven horse head and glowing read eyes; very unique. Unfortunately, the design wasn’t brought to life too well. It looks great moving or from a distant, but close ups show off its cheapness. Oh well.

            Don’t watch Rawhead Rex if you are looking for high tension or mood. It’s a supernatural monster film with a slasher film mentality.  Watch it as such and you can have a good time.