I have a confession to make; this is my first time seeing Basketcase. I thought I saw this film as a kid, but as it turns out I saw the second film. I vaguely remember it. I believe I saw the sequel sometime in the early ninties. Anyway, my lose. Basketcase is one of the greatest examples of early Independent B-movie horror from the eighties. It is one of those films that deserves the accolades that is has received.
Basketcase is about two brothers that were separated when they were twelve years old. One is normal (Duane), while the other is deformed (Belial). They did not want to be separated but the boy’s father had it done in hopes that the Duane would have a better life. That turns out not to be the case as the boys are telepathy linked and also have a great relationship with one another. The two seek revenge on the doctors and anyone involved with their separation. Together they travel to New York City to seek out two of the doctors that performed the surgery. However, when Duane meets a girl and begins to see her without Belial; their link with one another is truth that that Belial can feel all the Duane is doing. Belial goes crazy, escapes his basket and begins to kill anyone in his path.
I am really surprised that this film does not have the following like other films from its era, such as Halloween and Friday the 13th. The storyline and script are great. What I appreciate about the story is that not only does it develop the brother’s relationship with one another and their eventual downfall, but it also goes into their back story. The film also, for it time, had more in the case of gore than most people liked back in the eighties. There is also male full frontal nudity and some female nudity towards the end of the film I’m sure getting this film approved by the Motion Picture Association was never going to happen. Thus, it was not played in chain theaters, and was more of one of the first real underground horror films of the eighties. You can probably label Basketcase as a film before it time, as the gore and splatter are ruthless. The films acting is nothing great, but the acting and the stop motion animation are what give the film its B-movie feel.
The Blu-ray disc which is being released under Image Entertainment’s Something Weird Video label contains a lot of special features. The film has a new introduction by Director Frank Henelotter, as well as commentary with Henelotter and producer Edgar Ievins and actress Beverly Bonner. There are also rare outtakes and behind the scenes footage from Frank Henelotter’s personal collection. The disc also includes the 2001 video short “In Search of the Hotel Broslin”, two theatrical trailers and TV Spots, Two rare Radio Spots, and a photo gallery.
When most people in the horror business and hardcore horror fans hear the name Frank Henelotter, they automatically think Basketcase. It may or may not have been the film that he wanted to be remembered for, however it is a film to be proud of. It has a great story and for its time was a very well made film. These days’ indie filmmakers make more pointless horror film for three times the budget of Basketcase, and shoot on digital video instead of film. Most of these new films will never be remembered. On Just a budget of thirty five thousand dollars, Basketcase is a film that has had a cult following for thirty years now and should be a “must see” film for any inspiring horror film makers with a few grand to turn their script into a reality. This is the way it should be done, Basketcase is a film that was made before home editing technology was available and to get the best visual effects you needed a million dollar budget. Yet is superior to almost all of the indie horror films released today. It is an Independent B-movie masterpiece that deserves every bit of respect. Any horror fan or indie filmmaker out there should pick this Blu-ray disc up not just for its great story and entertainment value, but for the way in which this film was put together with a small budget. It is a must have for all fans of horror.
– Horror Bob
- Interview with J.R. Bookwalter - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Andrew J. Rausch - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Rick Popko and Dan West - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Director Stevan Mena (Malevolence) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Screenwriter Jeffery Reddick (Day of the Dead 2007) - January 22, 2015
- Teleconference interview with Mick Garris (Masters of Horror) - January 22, 2015
- A Day at the Morgue with Corri English (Unrest) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Writer/Director Nacho Cerda (The Abandoned, Aftermath) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actress Thora Birch (Dark Corners, The Hole, American Beauty) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actor Jason Behr, Plus Skinwalkers Press Coverage - January 22, 2015
