With the new sequel/reboot of "Candyman" coming out this week, it's time I talk about the original that captured horror fans attention. Helen Lyle is a graduate student studying the urban legend that is the Candyman, a vengeful spirit who will kill those that speak his name five times. While Helen believes that Candyman is just a myth, her denial and exploration of the figure draws the attention of the titular figure to make her life a living nightmare in order for her to submit to his will and become his victim. Despite its genre and premise, the story feels more akin to a supernatural thriller than a typical slasher film. There is a body-count for sure, but the story is very much fixated on Helen and her arc rather than just being a silly horror film that plays up the cliches and tropes. Even though it was written by Clive Barker who also did "Hellraiser", "Candyman" has a more sophisticated approach to its storytelling and content unlike the gory and clumsy story-telling of "Hellraiser", which tried too hard to appeal to the general horror and slasher crowd. On top of that, there is an underlying theme of social themes that can be found that, while not the main focus, adds a bit of depth to the picture. The tone is reflective of the story as well, taking the film as serious as possible with few bits of humour and levity. It's a dark and gritty movie with some uncomfortable ideas and sequences at times, but it all manages to feel so real despite the dream-like nature of the film and killer. Even if the premise alone sounds cheesy with a black, hook-handed ghost with bees killing people and trying to seduce a white woman, it never feels like a joke to the film or the viewer.
Virginia Madsen is really good as the protagonist, Helen. What makes Helen stand out from the usual batch of final girls or leads is that she's given an arc that has her get into her predicament and seeking redemption out of it. She's not like the majority of final girls that are just caught in a bad situation and need to beat their villain to be free, Helen is constantly suffering and it's all part of her development. It helps that Madsen manages to make Helen as likeable as possible in order for the viewer to feel bad for the character. However, it's Tony Todd's performance of the titular spirit that really carries the movie. Todd simply oozes charisma, presence, menace, and a seductive nature to Candyman that makes the character one of the most unique horror villains in the genre. Not only is the character given a sympathetic backstory, but he almost acts as a title or virus, wanting others to join him in the legendary status as myth or host. Even though that means he has a reduced body count compared to other slasher villains, he feels the most human for a supernatural killer. The side characters are also good for the limited roles they provide. Kasi Lemmons is fine as Bernadette, Helen's lively friend, Xander Berkley is rightfully despicable as Trevor, Helen's cheating husband, DeJuan Guy as the street-smart child, Jake, does a pretty good job for an unknown child actor, and Vanessa Estelle Williams is great as Anne-Marie, a single mom whose baby is stolen by Candyman. There are other minor characters such as the student Trevor is sleeping with and some detectives, but they don't really play that big of a role. The cast is generally talented and play their respective roles well, but it's Madsen and Todd that really outshine everyone else in regards to character and performance.
Bernard Rose isn't a famous name in the world of filmmaking or directing, but he has managed to preserve his talents and legacy with this film. It's a bit of a shame that Rose hasn't really taken off in his career as he clearly shows off how skillful he is with "Candyman". His approach to making the film more atmospheric and methodical may seem like an issue, but it is paid off brilliantly because of how etherial and almost dream-like the film gets in its somber nature. Chicago is presented as a dirty and unpleasing city, which is reflected by the apartment complex of Cabrini-Green, which alone carries themes on a visual level. The gothic and gloomy hideouts of Candyman and Cabrini-Green feel like a perfect blend of classic horror and modern horror thanks to the aesthetic and detail from the set design. The cinematography by Anthony B. Richmond mostly consists of close-ups and handheld tracking shots that help makes the film have a more personal connection to the onscreen characters. Richmond also did a great job with the opening credits as they capture the highway of the city and offering a great visual shot here and there. The score by Phillip Glass is one of the best in the genre as the gothic choir and organ music just seeps of atmosphere and dread while having notes of romance and tragedy. As for the make-up, practical effects and kills, there's not really much to add. The use of live bees and the reveal of Candyman's disfigurement is eerie, the make-up is great with the highlight of Helen's burnt body in the end, and the kills themselves feel more grisly and real than the usual slasher due to the limited use of gore and blood. The filmmaking overall is very spot-on on all accounts, which Rose should feel proud of.
"Candyman" is regarded as a modern horror classic for a reason. From the slow-burn storytelling, serious tone, Madison's Helen being a more fleshed-out final girl protagonist, Todd's brilliant performance and portrayal of Candyman, the side cast doing their best and taking the film seriously, Richmond's camerawork, Glass's etherial score, the make-up and kills are well done and executed with restrain, and Rose's directing perfectly captures the atmosphere and dream-like nature of the story while reflecting the relevant social themes in a perfectly visual matter. Even though the film may not be for everyone due to the limited amount of deaths, kind-of forgettable side cast, and the slow pace, I feel that it would have completely altered the film's unique identity and the direction Rose was trying to do in regards to atmosphere and symbology. Regardless how good or bad the new movie will be, it will never undermine what made the original so wonderful.
Verdict: 9/10. A brilliant horror flick that sacrifices mindless entertainment for an intellectual design. Just don't go in thinking it's a gore-fest and you'll be glad to behold the legend that is the Candyman!
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