Tags
1990's, Event Horizon, Horror, Jack Noseworthy, Jason Isaacs, Joely Richardson, Kathleen Quinlan, Laurence Fishburne, Paul W. S. Anderson, Richard T. Jones, Sam Neill, Science Fiction, Sean Pertwee
Film Title
Event Horizon
Director
Paul W. S. Anderson
Starring
- Laurence Fishburne as Captain Miller
- Sam Neill as Dr. William Weir
- Joely Richardson as Lieutenant Starck
- Kathleen Quinlan as Med Tech. Peters
- Jason Isaacs as D.J.
- Sean Pertwee as Pilot Smith
- Richard T. Jones as Cooper
- Jack Noseworthy as Justin
Although negatively received upon release, Event Horizon has seemingly grown into something of a cult film. Clearly influenced by Alien and Hellraiser, it may not be in the same league as them but it sure as hell will leave an impression due to bizarre visuals and sense of dread that it gives us.
The year is 2047 and a rescue ship is sent to look for the Event Horizon, another ship that disappeared seven years before but has recently appeared out of nowhere. The rescue ship is headed by the calm Captain Miller and also comprises of Lieutenant Starck, Med Tech. Peters, trauma doctor D.J, Pilot Smith, technician Cooper and engineer Justin. The crew is joined by Dr. Weir, who designed the Event Horizon and explains the properties of the missing vessel. The ship contains a strange gravitational property that enables it to create a black hole, thus making travel quicker to the desired destination. Along with the rest of the assembled crew, Weir’s job is to figure out where the ship has been for seven years. They eventually set foot on the ship yet discover that things that transpired where very grisly indeed. The former crew appears to have mutilated one another to death after being driven insane by an insidious force. Soon enough, Weir and the crew begin to experience strange events on the ship. Their deepest fears and regrets manifest as vivid hallucinations, the sphere at the core of the ship sends a pulse that rips apart almost everything and one by one, the crew are systematically driven to the brink of madness by the haunting force that the Event Horizon brought back from its unspecified journey. Who will make it out of the grisly chaos and malevolent grip of the eponymous ship?
Derivative and clichéd as it may be, Event Horizon is not as bad as some people make it out to be. Sure it’s far from perfect, but it gets the job done in a stylistic and violent manner that is hard to shake once you’ve seen it. Paul W. S. Anderson is very much a stylistic and visual director and his skills in this area are in clear abundance in Event Horizon. Production design is of a high quality, with whirling spheres of sharp serrated metal and spikes forming a visual highlight as well as the pulse of the ship that brings a dark force with it. Bizarre images abound that give the film a trippy and very disturbing quality. This is very apparent in the hallucination scenes that prey on the fears of the crew and bring with them chaos and destruction. If you have a strong stomach, I’m sure you can survive the grisly splatter content. But be warned if you don’t, as Event Horizon is the kind of film that will no doubt bring plenty of nightmares. While the pace may be lacking at times and too fast in other areas, Event Horizon definitely brings a nightmarish quality to the proceedings that is both highly disturbing and strikingly done. A dissonant score of electronics will know doubt cast an eerie aural spell on viewers.
The script may be the least impressive part of Event Horizon, but the talented cast manage to inject interest into their rather thinly written characters. Laurence Fishburne excellently plays Captain Miller as a figure of calm and strength that is tested against the evil forces of the ship. Sam Neill is great as the off kilter doctor who is the worst affected by the ship as it shows him visions of his dead wife with her eyes gouged out. This in turn sends Weir slipping into a gradually building psychosis that poses as much danger as the ship itself. Joely Richardson gives a certain assurance to her Lieutenant character, while Kathleen Quinlan displays wrenching vulnerability as the med tech. Jason Isaacs infuses D.J with a grave outlook on life and knowledge. The ever-reliable Sean Pertwee is wise ass and cynical as the pilot who just wants off this mission, his remarks are offset by the comic timing of Richard T. Jones portraying the technician. In the smallest role, Jack Noseworthy plays the youngest member of the team who is the first to encounter the sadistic intent of the ship.
A grisly and chilling sci-fi/ horror flick, Event Horizon is far from the greats but certainly memorable.
beetleypete said:
One of the better Alien-inspired films V, and for me, it is still a very good film, with bags of atmosphere, good effects, and a suitably spooky vibe. I never fail to check it out on TV, and it rewards repeat viewings, that’s for sure.
Nice choice mate. Best wishes, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
Cheers Pete, yeah some pretty good effects on show here that truly give it a creepy feeling.
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mikeyb @ screenkicker said:
I absolutely love Event Horizon. It totally deserves the title of ‘cult classic’. It still scared me and I love the design of the ship and the crazy story. Great stuff Vinnie
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vinnieh said:
It truly is very freaky, especially the hell sequences.
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emmakwall said:
I love it that much too Mikey! : D
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vinnieh said:
Is that purely because of Pertwee being in it?
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emmakwall said:
No : ) I love the horror and the nightmarish gore. BUT I do really, really love Sean Pertwee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As you know!
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vinnieh said:
He’s such a reliable actor who always makes me chuckle. Loved the look on his face when Weir dissects his centrefold image.
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emmakwall said:
He is! I’m not sure when the adoration started but I just don’t see him in that many movies and when I do, they tend to be movies I like….so I just started….liking him!
He does have some great facial expressions haha!!!!
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vinnieh said:
Just his face and look of utter disgust that Weir has destroyed his sexy picture is priceless.
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emmakwall said:
Lol ‘look of utter disgust’ – so true!!!!
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vinnieh said:
Then again, I’d be exactly the same if that happened to me.
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emmakwall said:
I don’t blame you! And when you look at the all the trouble Weir causes – a racy poster is the least of it! Haha 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Hehe, exactly he causes a hell of a lot of trouble. But nothing can repair the damage to that racy poster.
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emmakwall said:
A “hell” of a lot of trouble! Good pun 🙂
Haha, that’s so true!!!!! It was just…so uncalled for.
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vinnieh said:
Thought you’d like that pun, there’s no need to destroy racy pics.
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mikeyb @ screenkicker said:
We’re a couple of cool mofos!
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vinnieh said:
You most certainly are.
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emmakwall said:
You fooking know it!
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vinnieh said:
That really made me laugh.
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emmakwall said:
Good 😀
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vinnieh said:
You have a great sense of humour Emma. I must bid goodbye for a few hours, but fear not, I’ll be back.
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emmakwall said:
Okay Vinster 🙂 see you soon brother.
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vinnieh said:
I’m back and as peachy as ever.
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emmakwall said:
Hey Peach!
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vinnieh said:
Sorry for my absence, something came up. But my peachy ass is back now.
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emmakwall said:
Hello peachy bum! *Vinnie shakes his arse*
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vinnieh said:
He does indeed, it’s clad in a leather thong at the minute( only joking but I thought it was funny).
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emmakwall said:
You’re not joking!!!!!
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vinnieh said:
What makes you so sure?
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emmakwall said:
I know you fairly well?
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vinnieh said:
It was only a joke, leather would be too tight.
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emmakwall said:
Satin then?
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vinnieh said:
Hehe. I hope you know that a lot of these rude stories are just a product of a naught imagination. I’m really just an average guy who enjoys a laugh. Hope you don’t unfollow me.
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emmakwall said:
Why on earth would I unfollow you?! Never bro.
And I don’t believe that for a second. I know the velvet dressing gown is real!!! ha ha 🙂
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vinnieh said:
The velvet dressing gown is real. Thanks for that reassurance.
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emmakwall said:
I knew it!!!
And yes, please don’t worry, you’re one of my best friends on here and I think you’re great.
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vinnieh said:
Likewise to you Emma, you’re a great friend on here. *Wiggles ass in agreement*.
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emmakwall said:
Hee hee! I imagined you as a little duck then, waggling his arse! I love ducks so that’s not a bad thing 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Glad you like the sound of that image.
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teny said:
I loved this movie. Negative options there, but do you know that most of the people here haven’t even heard about this one?
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vinnieh said:
I know, it definitely needs to be seen by more people.
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The Vern said:
Ahhhh, Why would you put that image of Neil looking all sickly with scars on this review. I remember that scaring me a lot when I saw this. Yeah the flick has some good scare moments but I dont remember the story too much. Should rewatch this. Thank You
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vinnieh said:
It’s the only good image I could find of him in the movie Vern.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Spot on review Vinnie! Is it me, or is Sam Neill completely underrated as an actor?
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vinnieh said:
You’re right, he is very underrated as an actor.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
He’s one of my favorites too, even when he’s covered in scars!
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vinnieh said:
Hehe, he certainly is a talented guy.
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Mike said:
Good review of a film I really like, granted I was lucky enough to see it in a good environment (alone in a hotel, lights off, a couple of beers in) and was suitably spooked by the claustrophobia of it all. I love the Orbital title track also.
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vinnieh said:
The way you saw this film sounds like the perfect way to view it.
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Khalid at The Blazing Reel said:
Nice review. A little too gory for my tastes but still a pretty okay movie
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vinnieh said:
It is pretty grisly in places.
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Marta said:
I remember this one vividly… it gave me nightmares for a week! Never again!
Nice review though 😉
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vinnieh said:
I’ve noticed that, gave me nightmares the first time I saw it and watching it again, it’s still as creepy.
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Marta said:
Ok, good to know. I’ll keep my distance then 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Probably a wise move, some of those images really stick in your head.
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Marta said:
I know, they are still seared into my brain after years… just awful…
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vinnieh said:
Poor you, just think of something happy to get rid of those hellish images.
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Marta said:
I will, thanks 🙂
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vinnieh said:
It always helps me as I do watch quite a lot of grisly horror movies.
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abbiosbiston said:
This movie scared the absolute bejesus out of me.
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vinnieh said:
I can see why Abbi.
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Jordan Dodd said:
Hmmm I watched this ages ago, but once again you have me wanting to watch a movie again Vinnie! The way you describe the effects to the crew, I don’t remember that at all. It reminds me of Solyaris (the original, not the shitty remake!). I do remember Sam Neill being great in this, what ever happened to him? He was a decent Aussie actor
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vinnieh said:
You should watch it again. I always like being told that my reviews have been effective for those reading them.
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Jordan Dodd said:
They stir up memories well when I have seen the movie you are writing about before 🙂 I remember the visuals looking great but hell if I can remember them. ANOTHER film added to the watchlist!!
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vinnieh said:
I love to stir up memories dude.
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Jordan Dodd said:
You succeeded again mate! Good job 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Cheers, have you checked out my review today? It’s something sexy.
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Parlor of Horror said:
One of my faves! Although it was a little slow early on it built suspense to the climax. Ever watch the quick montage of hellish images in slow-mo? It’s almost more creepy that way than it is in the film 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, I think I’ve seen that montage. Freaky stuff.
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vampireplacebo said:
I’ll pfft you a bit here. I absolutely adore this film. It still creeps me out massively. I enjoyed it a heck of a lot more than the boring-as-all-hell Alien, let me tell you! :-p
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vinnieh said:
I respect your opinion sister, always have and always will. I may not always agree but I’ll always respect it.
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vampireplacebo said:
Of course! Whatever floats your goat, as I say, hehehe.
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vinnieh said:
Hehe, you know me well.
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vampireplacebo said:
Getting there! hehe 😀
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vinnieh said:
What can I say? I’m a mysterious guy.
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MegaBeard18 said:
Probably one of the first movies that genuinely scared the crap out of me! Easily Paul W.S Andersons best movie but in all honesty that’s not very difficult 😛
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, scared the crap out of me too.
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emmakwall said:
This is one of my favourite movies, I love Event Horizon!
I don’t know how anyone could slate it, it’s a fantastic horror movie.
Scared me so much when I was younger (who am I kidding, still scares me now!) I just love its pure madness. And as you know, I have a serious soft spot for Sean Pertwee ❤ (and Laurence Fishburne!)
It's such a gross film as well, it's absolute hellish, sci-fi horror! Plus it has that 90s vibe you just can't capture nowadays.
Wonderful review Vinnie 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Pretty much agree with most of what you said, and that scene when we see what happened to the crew is pretty graphic.
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emmakwall said:
I’ve paused that a few times! (not in a weird way, just wanna see!!!!)
Baby Bear’s fate isn’t too nice either lol.
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vinnieh said:
Poor Baby Bear, he did meet one grisly fate.
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emmakwall said:
I really want to watch it now!!!
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vinnieh said:
I say go for it Emma.
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emmakwall said:
Maybe sometime this week 🙂
I’m still getting over Insidious 3 lol.
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Cavershamragu said:
Believe it or not, I got to visit the set of this one (I know the director slightly as he is the friend of a friend) and got to watch Sam Neill in action (well, stuck in an aircon shaft I think). Had massive issues in postproduction unfortunately and I think it shows – but I agree, in its own derivative way, quite entertaining!
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vinnieh said:
That is so cool that you got to visit the set.
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theipc said:
Excellent movie – one of the only movies that has ever given me a scare…. great post!
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vinnieh said:
Some of the images in this film just don’t leave you.
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theipc said:
Nope!!
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vinnieh said:
Especially the captain’s log scene, grisly stuff.
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theipc said:
Yessir – nightmare inducing –
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vinnieh said:
Definitely, especially the guy with no eyes speaking in Latin.
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erickeyswriter said:
I saw it years ago and don’t remember it too clearly, but I do know that I enjoyed this movie immensely. Of course, with Sam Neill and Laurence Fishburne it is hard to go wrong. I know actors cannot really redeem a truly awful film, but there do seem to be certain actors who are good enough at choosing scripts that their presence in a film gives me confidence that it will be good.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting.
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Laura said:
I watched this again recently, talk about creepy. Some of those nightmare visions were truly hellish.
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vinnieh said:
Hellish is the most fitting description for the imagery.
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Tom said:
Whenever I think about Event Horizon, I just think “man that movie is the shit.” You’re tearing through some really classic titles here my friend.
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vinnieh said:
I’m just broadening my viewing horizons buddy.
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