EVIL DEAD TRAP (1988)
Directed by Toshiharu Ikeda
Starring: Miyuki Ono, Fumi Katsuragi
Genre: Horror
Running Time: 105mins

Rating:

Nami is the host for a reality tv clip show. Specialising in the extreme side of entertainment the show "Late Late Night" caters for those with a taste for the horrors of real life, accidents caught on camera. And so, after finishing another show she discovers a tape left for her anonymously, the tape begins with a detailed journey from the city to an abandoned warehouse. However, inside the warehouse the journey takes a turn for the worse as Nami witnesses footage that is either a hoax, or a genuine snuff film. Joined by four colleagues who share her journalistic desire to catch the scoop of a lifetime they venture towards the destination mapped out for them, unaware that what awaits is something they could not begin to imagine.

Evil Dead Trap is hailed as one of the most notorious Japanese exploitation horrors of the 1980's. It is with this precept that I awaited the film with considerable apprehension. With horror, my preference is for the spine tingling delights of slow burn, atmospheric chillers such as Hideo Nakata's "Ring" and Kiyoshi Kurosawa's classic "Kairo". However, as I prepared to watch/experience Evil Dead Trap I set aside my apprehensions to judge it on its own terms. And while the film is far from perfect, there is much of value on display in Toshiharu Ikeda's film.

The initial premise of the snuff tape/map is intriguing, and visually impressive mixing references to such classics as Michael Powell's "Peeping Tom" and Luis Bunuel's "Un Chien Andalou" (yes, that shot) while retaining as realistic a feel as you can get. In fact, it has to be said that one of the more noticeable aspects of the film is the work of the cinematographer Masaki Tamura.

Clearly reveling in the opportunity to shine, and with a set like this who wouldn't, some of the shots are technically complex and hauntingly beautiful to look at. At times it is over-ambitious - with one or two shots that should not really be in a final cut, however, it is this vibrancy and knowledge of genre that adds an extra dimension to Evil Dead Trap that rises it above its exploitation trappings. Of particular note is the use of isolating framing mixed with the flipside of claustrophobic close ups used to impressive effect. Meanwhile, the camera flash/strobe lit attack is a particularly exceptional sequence that stands out among the best. Always inferring, never showing this sequence teases audience expectation and brings to the surface our own shamefully voyeuristic nature.

The script, written by Takashi Ishii (subsequent director of "Gonin", "Black Angel" and the rape revenge psychological thriller "Freeze Me") produces some genuinely frightening moments that will linger in your mind long after the safety of daylight has arrived. While it is easy for horror aficionados to pinpoint Ishii's influences ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" is a definite influence) Evil Dead Trap has clearly left a considerable number of legacies for not just film (in particular Joel Schumacher's "8mm") but also in the world of interactive horror ("Silent Hill").

The direction by Ikeda is assured, guiding us through the terror unflinchingly. He clearly is a fan of the genre with an understanding of how to mix the scares from the graphic (and some of the murders are just that) to the subtle playing with sound, lighting and framing adding movement in the background (a la Halloween) to elicit a sense of dread rather than relying entirely upon the screams and geysers of claret at close range.

However, Evil Dead Trap is not without its flaws. First and foremost is the absurd nature of their journey, accepting that victims make stupid decisions in horror films is a given, but this concept really does overstep the mark. Having said that - who wants to see the police in a situation like this, it's not why we're here, all is not to be solved comfortably. However, progressively throughout the film, more plot failings arise and as it can technically fall under the slasher movie label there is something of a pre-requisite for what can only be described as inessential sex.

It comes from nowhere, adds nothing of significance in terms of plot and it's only raison d'etre is purely to adhere to standards and keep the teens happy. Then there is the uncalled for rape scene, which leaves more than a nasty taste in the mouth - pointless to say the least it's unsettling how casually it is introduced. A bad move by all concerned..

The main problem with the film though, is the climax. The unfolding of motive and reason simply fails to work. Those hoping (as I was) for a social comment on media violence and de-sensitisation are not only given a less than satisfying conclusion, but also one which abandons the entire structure and style of the narrative in favour of cliché and, surprisingly considering its reputation, unnecessary gore with cheap effects.

Overall, Evil Dead Trap is a mixed bag, gruesome, disturbing, chilling, and taut it's just a shame that the climax fails to live up to the events before it. A film of considerable worth in terms of style, Ikeda's film is an enjoyable piece of popcorn horror that has the potential to be great but ultimately is let down by some hokey dialogue and lacklustre structuring.