How ‘Hellraiser’ Takes Inspiration from the Marquis de Sade

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As a cinephile who’s spent countless hours immersed in the dark and twisted world of horror films, I can confidently say that Clive Barker’s “Hellraiser” is a true masterpiece that stands out from the crowd. It’s not every day you stumble upon a film that manages to be both terrifying and thought-provoking, but Barker has managed to do just that.

Following the debut of “Rawhead Rex”, a movie based on Clive Barker’s short story from “The Books of Blood”, the author was furious with the outcome and opted to direct the next adaptation of his work instead. In 1987, Barker took charge of the production for “Hellraiser”. This film, inspired by his novella titled “The Hellbound Heart”, captivated horror enthusiasts and introduced the world to the Cenobites (also known as The Order of the Gash), the intriguing puzzle box called Lament Configuration, and a mythology that continues to resonate today. Often categorized alongside other popular slasher films of the era, “Hellraiser” is distinguished by its subtle complexities, going beyond the confines of typical horror movies.

In many slasher movies, sex and death played significant roles, though they were used more for entertainment than as central plot points. For instance, “Hellraiser” deviated from the norm by incorporating Sadean themes, a fairy tale-like structure, intense exploration of sadomasochism, and the introduction of characters like the Hell Priest (also known as Pinhead) and the Order of the Gash. The film was not just a typical horror movie; it promised extraordinary visual experiences that lived up to the Cenobites’ famous statement: “We have such sights to show you.

A Gothic Fairy Tale in the Guise of a Horror Film

The horror series “Hellraiser” and its subsequent films are particularly iconic due to the character of Pinhead (originally played by Doug Bradley), who shares infamy with Michael Myers. Not surprisingly, Pinhead and the other Cenobites, also known as the Order of the Gash, frequently appear in promotional materials for “Hellraiser.” In the original movie, Bradley’s portrayal of the Hell Priest served more as a supporting character, with the story primarily revolving around the Cotton family. It is essential to acknowledge that, in reality, Julia and Frank are the real antagonists in “Hellraiser.

In their newly acquired abode, Larry (Andrew Robinson) and Julia Cotton (Claire Higgins), the new homeowners, find themselves in a house that will serve as the setting for Clive Barker’s movie. However, there seems to be an undercurrent of dissatisfaction between Julia and her husband Larry, as she harbors feelings for Larry’s brother, Frank (Sean Chapman), with whom she had a past romantic involvement. The family unit also includes Larry’s daughter Kirsty (Ashley Lawrence), who embodies the pure and chaste heroine, similar to Snow White in her portrayal, reminiscent of Jessica Harper’s characterization in Dario Argento’s Suspiria.

In Hellraiser, themes of sexuality, death, and sadomasochism are subtly woven through a clever contrast of visuals. While Larry is laboring to carry a mattress upstairs, Julia recalls an intimate encounter with Frank. The peak of their past lovemaking corresponds with Larry accidentally injuring himself on a nail, causing profuse bleeding. This violent act in the present seems to echo the passionate intensity of their past. Later, when blood is spilled in the attic, the lifeless body of Frank mysteriously reawakens and materializes.

As a movie aficionado, I find myself drawn to Clive Barker’s twisted fairy tale, Hellraiser. In this chilling narrative, I am Julia, longing to reconnect with my lover. To achieve this, I begin luring victims for Frank, the monstrous denizen of a castle, to consume and resurrect, if you will. This dark tale now intertwines with Barker’s intricate fairy tale, as Frank becomes the beast in the castle, Julia, the wicked stepmother, and Kirsty, the pure-hearted Snow White. The notion of Hellraiser being a fairy tale is reinforced in the sequel, Hellbound: Hellraiser II, where Julia taunts Kirsty by saying, “I’m not merely the wicked stepmother; I am also the evil queen, so brace yourself, Snow White.

Inspiration from the Writings of The Marquis de Sade

In addition to its resemblance to a fairy tale, the horror series Hellraiser draws significant inspiration from the works of The Marquis de Sade, particularly in the characters of Frank and Larry (originally named Rory in The Hellbound Heart). These two brothers, despite their stark contrasts, mirror de Sade’s most famous characters, Justine and Juliette. Essentially, they represent siblings who embark on distinctly different paths based on their unique perspectives on life.

Compare Larry, the devoted spouse, to Justine from Marquis de Sade’s novel “Justine, or the Misfortune of Virtue.” Just like how Justine, brought up in a convent, adheres strongly to the moral teachings instilled during her childhood, Larry clings to his loyalty towards Julia. However, this unwavering adherence to their past bond results in unfortunate events for both characters, as they are manipulated and humiliated by individuals who exploit their virtuousness.

In simple terms, Frank, Larry’s brother, looks a lot like Juliette, Justine’s sister. In the book titled “Juliette, or Vice Amply Rewarded“, the main character, Juliette, chooses a life that is completely different from Justine. She abandons her virtuous background and indulges in various criminal activities, finding pleasure and satisfaction through immoral actions. She takes whatever she desires from others without hesitation. Similarly, we find Frank involved in numerous misfortunes, including petty theft and other vices. These choices eventually lead him to pursue the enigmatic Lament Configuration, a device rumored to serve as the passageway to the Order of the Gash and their “doors to heaven and hell.

In a different yet understandable wording: Juliette and Justine, historically symbolizing the submissive and dominant roles in sadomasochistic dynamics, have often been used to depict women’s characters in films. Barker switches this dynamic for his male protagonists. Julia, on the other hand, embodies many traits of de Sade’s characters, being a person who is discontent with their ordinary life and finds release from conformity and societal norms through actions that challenge apathy and conventional expectations.

Subverting Audience Expectations in a True Horror Classic

It requires a great deal of drive to buck trends and present something distinctive when the popularity of slasher films was at its peak, and that’s exactly what Hellraiser did. This film offered not just novelty but also combined various elements that viewers might not have anticipated back then. To some, it was angelic; to others, demonic. Clive Barker’s vision has undeniably left an indelible impression on the horror genre and remains a significant milestone in the history of horror cinema. Stream now on Prime Video, Shudder, and Tubi.

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2024-12-08 04:32