The Crow (2005, UMD)

The Crow is not just a love story, if it were that simple that cut and dry then it would have been a modern day version of Romeo & Juliet. Make no mistake about it, in 1994 viewers around the world were treated to possibly one of the best movies of the decade. Beyond the storyline and cast of actors there is a surreal creation dare I say masterpiece of pure cinematic perfection. I don t toss those words around often but The Crow deserves each and every word or praise.

Most people are familiar with the storyline of The Crow; or at least the version that was released to the general public. If Brandon Lee were not killed on the set the film would have had a few more twists and more than a few extra surprises. So what exactly did we miss? Well, a few characters were shaved from the cast after Brandon s death; namely Skull Cowboy who was to portray Eric Draven s guardian angel. In the original storyline Eric was to lose his powers after destroying those that had killed both he and his beloved Shelly. The character Skull Cowboy was to be the person to tell him that he was once again vulnerable before he enters the church and try to persuade him to return to his grave.

Several other smaller characters were cut as well. The storyline was changed because of the death of Lee as well as budget costs.

So What Is The Crow About?

The movie The Crow is based on a fictional legend that some people die before avenging things to put the wrong things right it s also translated that the crow can carry back the souls of those who died so that they might correct things before moving on to an afterlife. Some people have said that this is based on Indian spirits and old Santeria folklore whether it is true or not is up in the air. The Crow tells the tale of Eric Draven [Brandon Lee] and Shelly Webster [Sofia Shinas] the young couple that were to be married on Halloween but met a tragic fate on All Hallows Eve referred to as Devils Night in the film. Shelly and Eric were both attacked and beaten and Eric plunged to his death while Shelly clung to life in the hospital.

Ernie Hudson plays the part of Officer Albrecht someone who takes a personal interest in finding the killers as well as staying with Shelly hoping to get a shred of information from her. Enter Sarah played by Rochelle Davis. Eric and Shelly both adopted her since her mother [Anna Thomson] was too busy drinking, shooting heroin and working at a local bar to care about or for her. So, two people are killed and a band of thugs is on the loose Tin Tin. Skank and Funboy what a colorful crew. It is this assortment of oddballs that give the film a gritty feel most of the time I feel the need for a long shower after seeing all the grease in Funboy s hair not to mention those nasty needle tracks.

So Eric s character comes back from the dead to avenge his own death as well as Shelly s. The whole scenario from the gravesite to the alley is one that still sends shivers down my spine. Brandon nailed the character he took a fictional character in a contrived setting and made it work. Along the path of destruction Eric finds familiar faces ones that can hardly believe that his is alive . He does more than kill those who killed him he also gives Sarah s mother a lesson on why heroin is bad (duh). So Eric wipes out the bad guys, kills the boss and returns to the grave sounds pretty cut and dry right? Well, it would have been if the lead character didn t die in mid scene. Nothing can ruin a movie shoot more than seeing someone get killed before your very eyes. The postproduction work that was done on the film was not only costly but time consuming. Scenes had to be re shot excluding Brandon s face or using a double. Since Eric s character had layers of make up on the producers were able to reshoot the missing scenes. Still, there was something missing Brandon Lee s presence in the final scenes as well as the passion he had for the character of Eric Draven.

What Made It A Classic?

Unlike most love stories this film is dark the settings are filled with rain and a general air of gloom. How it became a classic depends on how you look at it the death of Brandon, the comic book fans rejoice of seeing a cult classic on the screen, the cinematography, the goth following or just a story of a love that doesn t die. For me, I fell in love with the characters; Eric Draven for him strength and courage, Shelly Webster for her mothering and caring of Sarah, Officer Albrecht for being more than just a man with a badge. The motley crew of thugs assembled add a bit of comedy to this otherwise depressing tale.

I do have to mention that one of my idols is in this film yes Mr. Rollins makes a short but sweet 27-second appearance. In case you forgot he is the large muscular man driving the little Yugo. But famous faces and big names aren t what made this film a success. The screenplay of David Schow and John Shirley coupled with the directing of Alex Proyas created a sound foundation from which the legend of The Crow was born.

So why does this film get over when other of its like have failed? It takes two normal people puts them in a violent scenario and doesn t paint the prettiest picture of the outcome. People get murdered everyday it s a fact of life but I have yet to hear of someone coming back from the dead to seek revenge all in the name of love.

For Brandon

Brandon Lee should have been one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Perhaps if he hadn t died the sequel s to The Crow wouldn t have been created or maybe they would have at least been tolerable. Brandon Lee, son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee fought with many demons the pressure to live up his fathers name and reputation, the curse that surrounded his family name and the fact that he was never recognized as Brandon Lee, actor but rather Brandon Lee, son of Bruce Lee.

The rumor mill was working overtime when it was publicly announced that he was killed. A press release stated that he was shot while filming a scene; a prop gun supposedly containing a dummy bullet was fired at his chest the bullet was supposed to have been removed before the scene started. Rumors circulated that Brandon s family had him killed to perpetuate the curse of the Lee name, while other said it was done to boost ticket sales. The closer the film came to its public release the most outlandish the rumors became. Whatever the cruel fate was on hand that day one thing is painfully evident; the motion picture world was robbed of talent pure and simple.

One rumor that still eludes me is the footage of his death. It was said that the footage was destroyed but that leads to this question didn t the police want to examine it? Didn t the family want to make sure that it was an accidental death? I am not pointing fingers here but this missing footage and the aftermath would have been extremely valuable to dispel the rumors of a murder and a murder plan. EBay had several listings for this missing footage all of which I am assuming were fake entries.

Why Should You See This?

If you haven t seen this movie what can I say to persuade you to part with a few dollars to rent it? Besides what I have already mentioned the film subtly suggests that even the smallest things in life shouldn t be taken for granted. Eric Draven comments Little things used to mean so much to Shelly. I used to think they were kinda trivial. Believe me, nothing's trivial. Pretty powerful thought isn t it? It goes hand in hand with you don t know what you have until it s gone . The film is powerful it demands you attention and after a few minutes you find yourself on the edge of your seat almost spellbound. The soundtrack both motion picture score and musical tracking add so much to the film that I firmly believe that if even one song were change it would throw off the films balance. There are just so many elements that make this film not only worth renting but purchasing. The DVD Collectors Box Set is due out in March of 2001 and is already being preordered by fan everywhere.

While this film may be too dark or modern for some people I have to highly recommend this film to anyone who appreciates fine cinema. Watch it with an open mind an you will fall in love with a classic. You have my money back guarantee.


As usual - thanks for the read - ^V^ Freak ^V^