And, if you already have a slight hesitation towards clowns, this film may push you over the edge.
The production design is spot on, as are the costumes. The film is dark and dirty in almost every aspect. The tagline of ’31’ is “Welcome to Hell”, and it really is quite appropriate. There’s the chainsaw wielding twosome of Psycho-Head (Lew Temple) and Schizo-Head (David Ury), in addition to the succubus like Sex-Head (EG Daily). The subsequent group of clowns, whose main task is to track down and murder the captives, are no less frightening. Small in stature but not in his level of depravity, Sick Head is a Spanish speaking, Swastika-wearing sicko who obviously takes immense pleasure in his job to initiate the game of 31. Also lending her legendary acting chops is Meg Foster ( They Live) as the motherly figure within the clan of carnival workers.įirst up to inflict fear on the kidnapped group is the disconcerting Sick Head (Pancho Moler). Malcolm McDowell (the uncompromising Alex DeLarge from Clockwork Orange) portrays Father Murder, all decked out in classic European aristocratic garb as he leads a duo of equally sadistic and amoral ladies. As if that is not enough to intrigue viewers, let me add that some stellar genre staples play a significant part of this movie mayhem. Each traveling Carny is assigned a number and given the odds for their survival, which all seem pretty goddamn bleak. The film follows five unfortunate carnival workers who become trapped in a hell-like compound, with only hours to survive an onslaught of sinister, killer clowns. Throughout ’31’, it’s evident the director has become very comfortable behind the camera, gaining the knowledge necessary to successfully utilize amazing transition shots coupled with the cinematic command he has over his actors. Richard Brake is damn near perfection in his role as Doom Head, the go-to killer clown. My eyes were wide the entire opening scene, in awe of the pure horrific enjoyment but also of the technical achievements on display by Zombie and his crew. The perfectly psychotic Doom Head (Richard Brake) tortures and terrifies a bound priest, sending him to meet his maker with a couple of chops to the head with a dull axe. And, when I say immediately, I mean only about two minutes or so into the film. ’31’ starts out immediately with some great grease-painted gore. On the contrary, I was secretly cheering the demise of damn near every character introduced to us - not out of hate for the characters (which were actually quite likable), but out of morbid fascination for more of the iconic death scenes Zombie has become known for. I did not find myself bored at any point during the film. The tale of ’31’ is quite a demented one, one with enough blood and uncomfortable predicaments to satiate most horror fans. In fact, Zombie once again proves he’s got a real penchant for near perfect casting. But that’s not a negative here, as she delivers quite a standout performance. Sherri Moon Zombie, of course, continues her quest to star in everything created by her husband, rocker and filmmaker Rob Zombie.
‘ 31′ wastes no time bringing us gore hounds what we want in a film, and I definitely appreciated this. The hype, while perhaps slightly overblown, was actually not far off the mark. However, much to my very pleasant surprise, I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. Thus, I went into this one with realistic expectations, not expecting to be blown away. I must admit, Zombie’s previous contributions to the genre have been touch and go with me. I had the immense pleasure of being able to check out Rob Zombie‘s eagerly anticipated new horror film, ‘ 31′, weeks before it’s scheduled nationwide release later this September.
Rob Zombie’s latest blood-soaked horror film should more than satisfy his loyal fans… and may even create a few new believers.