The Crow: Movie Critique

In 1994, Director Alex Proyas brought comic book character Eric Draven to life. Produced by Edward Pressman and based off a comic created by James O' Barr's own personal tragedy, the film stars Michael Wincott, Ernie hudson, and the late Brandon Lee. I remember watching the film at the local theatre and falling in love with it that day.

The story revolves around a man and his fiance who are brutally murdered. A year later, and through the help of supernatural superstitions, a crow brings his soul and body back to avenge his lover. Picking off the murderers one by one, he relives moments and shows an ironic side of death, love, and life. Drawing his powers from the mythical bird, he finally gets to "Top Dollar," the leader of a ruthless gang and they battle their differences out between good and bad.

There are several characters based on real life as already mentioned. Eric representing James O' Barrr. Shelly representing his fiance. Officer Albrecht was a reincarnation of a friend who helped him cope with the problem, and The Skull Cowboy serves as his "religious" guidance. Real events make appearances too as Devils Night is a central plot to the story. Devils night, in case anyone is unaware, is a night of chaos the day before halloween in which gangs in New Jersey wreak havoc upon society. This all plays a key role in making a surreal story seem more realistic.

The movie has no defined dates, but seems to be set in the mid 90's which was the current decade during filming and releasing. This is brought out by not only the fashion of the film, but it's grunge-gothic like sequences which seemed to have boomed in that decade. Also the soundtrack (which helped the film portray this type of setting and style,) was mostly compromised of grunge artists during that time period. Although the film had a majority of problems, they managed to pull off an otherwise seamless performance. However of r there was the incident of the star Brandon Lee being killed on set due to the irresponsibility and drug use of the prop master. Rather if this helped the film gain it's cult status or not will always be a mystery.

The film will always be a "Cult Classic" and hold a special place in my heart due to it's story line and it's popularity of a comic even before the film was shot. The characters were beyond well played as many of them surfaced from other films and took on roles that stretched their talents beyond their own comprehensions. Although during editing a few characters and key points were ultimately left on the cutting room floor, the film fit together nicely even after it's one year shelved life to sort out the legal problems Miramax was having. The film makes people think about crime, and how it effects people, which is one of the biggest quotes from the film: "Victims, aren't we all." In my opinion anything done to this film hereafter would tarnish it's ability to push it's message of love, hate, pain, revenge and irony. I would defiantly recommend this film to anyone, even if your not impressed with it, you'll walk away with a different view of death.