One of my little joys in life is the act of revealing to someone that professes contempt for the Horror genre that one of their favorite films is, in fact, a Horror movie. One of the films that constantly pops up in these conversations is Adrian Lyne’s great JACOB’S LADDER. This a film that presents images and ideas that crawl into you consciousness and plant themselves there - actively messing with you for weeks, and then never really leaving. This is a visionary Horror movie directed and performed with great intelligence and passion.
Love or loathe him, Adrian Lyne indisputably knocked this one out of the park. One of his many great decisions was to make sure that every aspect of the filmmaking is executed organically - and to perfection. Jeffry Kimball’s photography stays naturalistic throughout - even in the moments where nature is turned upside down. Maurice Jarre’s score is orchestral (eschewing the synth scores fashionable in horror at that time) shifting from terrifying soundscapes to beautiful, heartbreaking yearning. Even the film’s signature disturbing image, the legendary ‘Shaking-Head’ effect, was done ‘in camera’ (on set, no post involved) by simply slowing down the camera speed while the actor whipped his head around. All of this resulted in a other-worldly story told in with real world vibe. And for all of the attention paid to the technical side, the story never takes a back seat. Unfolding naturally and methodically - culminating in an amazing, devastating twist ending.
The casting is also top-notch. Tim Robbins is perfect as Jacob Singer, the Vietnam vet who is witnessing nightmarish visions in his waking life. Elizabeth Pena and Danny Aiello are terrific in supporting roles, and a pre-’Home Alone’ Macaulay Culkin is angelic and tragic as Jacob’s son.
JACOB‘S LADDER is a film rightfully beloved by Horror buffs and haters alike. It’s one of those rare films that transcends its genre while still embracing it. Invariably, whenever I bring this film up in those conversations about the merits of the Horror genre, I will be told “But that‘s not Horror, it‘s a Psychological Thriller”. And my response is always; “Look, if the sexy woman across from you is being molested by the tail of the demon she's currently freak-dancing with, YOU'RE in a Horror movie, my friend!”
JACOB’S LADDER fun facts - Adrian Lyne turned down “Bonfire of the Vanities” in order to direct ‘Jacob’s Ladder”, and his first choice for the role of Jacob, Tom Hanks, turned down “Jacob’s Ladder” in order to star in “Bonfire of the Vanities”.
Jacob and his visions are never showed in the same shot.
Louis - “Eckhart saw Hell, too. He said; ‘The only thing that burns in Hell is the part of you that won't let go of life, your memories, your attachments. They burn them all away. But they're not punishing you‘, he said, ‘they're freeing your soul. So, if you're frightened of dying and you're holding on, you'll see devils tearing your life away. But if you've made your peace, then the devils are really angels, freeing you from the earth.’”
Elsa - (reading Jacob’s palm) “According to this, you’re already dead.”
Jacob - “You know you look like an angel, Louie? Like an overgrown cherub. Anyone ever tell you that?”