One of my little joys in life is the act of revealing to someone that professes contempt for the Horrorgenre that one of their favorite films is, in fact, a Horror movie. One of the films that constantly pops up inthese conversations is a universally praised film that presents images andideas that crawl into you consciousness and plant themselves there - activelymessing with you for weeks, and then never really leaving. It is a visionary Horror movie directed andperformed with great intelligence and passion. That film is Adrian Lyne’s 1990 masterpiece, JACOB’S LADDER.
JACOB’S LADDER tells the story of Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins) a Vietnam veteran who is haunted by the death of his son, Gabe (Macaulay Culkin), and is plagued by terrifying, hellish visions. As his visions grow worse, some attribute them to PTSD and work to help him through traditional means, while others tell him that he has to look within himself to figure out what these episodes mean. One, however, tells Jacob that his tribulations are the result of an experimental hallucinogenic drug called “The Ladder”, which was surreptitiously given to him during his time in Vietnam. As Jacob navigates his life and tries to find answers, his visions intensify as he lurches towards the truth.
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 and Elizabeth Pena and Danny Aiello are terrific in supporting roles. Rounding out the cast are Ving Raims, Jason Alexander, Eriq La Salle Matt Craven, and Louis Black.
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.
All of the ads in the backgrounds in the subway are anti-drug PSAs.
Tim Robbins won the lead role in this film after Don Johnson and Mickey Rourke both turned it down.
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?”
Jezebel – “Jake, New York is filled with creatures.”