Review for Lifeforce

Lifeforce
Director: Tobe Hooper
“ Basically a giant dick flailing through the sky... ”

*Images from press materials; not representative of disc playback

Introduction

Based on Colin Wilson's 1976 novel Space Vampires, Lifeforce was one of the biggest flops of Tobe Hooper's career, taking back less than half its budget in 1985, during a somewhat lucrative period for distributors, Cannon Films

Director Hooper arrived on the film in the prime of what would become a turbulent career. His helming success was kick-started by the seminal The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but plagued by failures such as the derivative Death Trap/Eaten Alive, and thrown into question by the success of Poltergeist, a huge 1982 hit that many felt displayed the hallmarks of producer Steven Spielberg, rather than Hooper himself. Nonetheless, Poltergeist is one of the most fondly remembered paranormal tales of the 1980s, while his previous film Funhouse, was almost as entertaining. While later projects such as 1993's Night Terrors really plummeted in quality, his work up until Lifeforce itself, represents a very strong, err... Cannon indeed.

Lifeforce is the sort of cinematic curio that will likely appease the vast majority of genre fans, whilst simultaneously causing bafflement among those with more mainstream tastes. It possesses all the charm one can imagine from a science-fiction film with more ambition than sense. Although at around $25 million, it was hardly a no-budget offering, and came with a crew armed with much expertise, it was also hindered by studio interference, resulting in a domestic cut that ran 15 minutes shorter than the 116 minutes intended.


Film

Running the gamut of sub-genres, Lifeforce begins with space shuttle "Churchill" progressing on a trek to Halley's Comet. During the course of this expedition, the crew discover an apparently alien ship housing three nude folk, who appear to be human, and take them on board. During the course of their return, the crew lose contact with base and the ship is all but destroyed.
Back on earth, the aliens are recovered intact, and taken back to the Research Headquarters in London. The nubile female (Mathilda May), awakens and embarks on a rampage throughout the capitol, draining her victims of their "Life-force" as she goes, as it is revealed that she is some sort of Cosmic Vampire. It's the job of Churchill's only surviving crew member, Col. Carlsen (Steve Railsback) & Col. Caine (Peter Firth) to take her down, before she (somewhat preposterously) brings about the downfall of mankind....

Clearly, this is one barmy piece of filmmaking.

Perhaps the strongest point of the film is the excellent cast. Steve Railsback is pretty convincing and sympathetic as Carlsen, while May is both easy on the eye and unsettling as a marauding sexual predator. It's also nice to see a younger Patrick Stewart delivering his trademark British gravitas in his smaller, but memorable role, and Peter Firth provides a stern dose of authority, despite his character occasionally bordering on being a dithering parody.

The special effects served up in Lifeforce, really are a mixed bag. Shriveling faces and Ghostbusters-style light shows don't really hold up today, but certainly many of these were respectable for the time. The optical effects at the climax will probably grate on younger viewers, but for those of us who grew up on Hellraiser's shoddy sub-Commodore 64 ending, they're more than adequate.

Some of the practical work is a much better however, recalling set pieces in both Return of the Living Dead, and Return of the Living Dead 3. There are also some great ideas in regards to the space segments at the start, even if Hooper doesn't always make the most of the craftmanship. Essentially, this is a very interesting film on a purely visual level, even if not everything hurled towards the screen actually sticks.

Lifeforce comes lumbered with some of the common failings of such niche fare too, right down to the (at times) risible dialogue, hokey score,and occasionally amateurish lighting.

Despite these flaws, it is a fabulously entertaining piece of filmmaking. It's Science Fiction, it's a high concept reimagining of the Vampire mythos, it is a formative example of the zombie-apocalypse sub genre, and at one point ,it even has a hint of the Poliziotteschi films as it threatens to become almost procedural. Lifeforce provides a healthy dose of everything, and in that regard, it is best enjoyed as a camp, crazed thrill ride, boasting a crazy concept, and even wilder execution.

Extras

Arrow's package continues with their recent trend for going all out to appease fanatics. Between a lengthy documentary, interviews, and three separate commentaries, there is plenty here to reward avid fans and educate newcomers alike. Additionally, the set also includes the truncated US theatrical cut, as well as the much better, International (European Version).

Cannon Fodder
A "making of" feature from High Rising Productions, this seventy minute effort is a behemoth. As has become a staple of said company, it really delivers the goods, and is almost worth the price of admission alone. Stuffed with amusing and informative anecdotes, this feature contains insights from producer Michael J.Kagan, several cast members, the screenwriter, and the excitable makeup artist, Sandra Exelby, Covering tons of ground, one could not hope for a better insight into the making of such a memorable project.

Of special note, are references to the copious nudity of Mathilda May, and Tobe Hooper's somewhat disturbing desire to remove all her body hair! Hooper's lack of adherence to rules and regulations in regards to stunts is also brought up, and generally, the director is portrayed as somewhat nutty by those involved here, who don't shy from discussing his chemically-altered state of mind. Superb.

Space Vampires in London
At only nine-minutes long, one wishes this interview with Tobe Hooper enjoyed a little more time to delve a bit deeper, although in fairness, the commentary track does compensate for that.

Dangerous Beauty
An intriguing fifteen minute interview with the starlet Mathilda May. The still-lovely May goes into great detail about her issues with the nudity in the film, and how that experience was in practice. She also talks about being cast in the first place, which is actually as fascinating as the various ruminations of others about

Carlsen's Curse
At just seven minutes long, Carlsen's curse is a snappy little interview with star, Steve Railsback. The actor comes across as being just as interesting as his fabulous coiffure, and appears both surprised and grateful for the film's cult reputation.

Commentary Tracks
-Director Tobe Hooper
-Visual Effects artist Douglas Smith
-Make Up artist Nick Maley
Three commentaries in total may prove a little tough going for some viewers, but they're well moderated and each focus on different elements that keep them moving along nicely.

Isolated Effects and Music Tracks
Trailers (Cannon & Tri-Star versions)

*Arrow's set also includes a collector's booklet (not included for review), which features writings and interviews by Bill Warren & Calum Waddell respectively. It is available in both a regular edition with a reversible cover, in addition to a Steelbook release.



Overall

The Blu-ray presentation of Hooper's film looks superb, (as expected given it was supervised by the director himself), boasting crisp details for the most part, and genuinely doing justice to the wacky colour scheme. The opening scenes in particular, are superbly represented. Insane red glows bounce off the Churchill's decor and across the faces of unsuspecting actors, while the green scheme apparent in space challenges Suspiria in terms of boldness.
Presented in PCM 2.0 Stereo and DTS-HD 5.1, Lifeforce also sounds tremendous. The booming score may be a little over-the-top for some tastes, but it's sure to stick in the memory after listening to the impressive audio tracks, especially as it comes across so strongly without sacrificing the clarity of the dialogue.

The film will likely divide the audience between those who choose to ignore its failings and enjoy the "anything-goes" merriment of the whole affair, and viewers who would like to have seen something which could have been taken a little more seriously. Package-wise, one could not hope for more, Between the two cuts of the film itself, and the excellent array of extras, Arrow Video and co. (High Rising in particular) deserve much credit for a release that will likely stand as a definitive entry into Tobe Hooper's back catalogue.

Definitely a product of its time, Lifeforce is certainly more than worth a look, and Arrow's new Blu-ray release is an unmissable package that will delight fans.