31 Films for Halloween, #24: Fade to Black (1980)

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If you are reading this, you probably like horror movies. But not as much as Eric Binford, Dennis Christopher's character in Fade to Black (1980).



Binford is yer classic cinematic Lonely Loser, who works for a film supply company and loses himself in the cinema.  He fantasizes being one of the tough guys he sees on the big screen and eventually DOES, adopting their identities in order to take revenge on those who have wronged him.

The film is an interesting conceit, but it's Dennis Christopher's acting that takes it to the next level.  The movie wavers between being a fun slasher romp and a serious psychological drama. Some people think that dooms the film but I personally think that's part of what makes it special.  Although most Bullied Loners in film are designed for us to empathize with, the fact is Eric is kind of a jerk, which makes for a different viewing experience.  Cleverly, the film makes no distinction between cinematic monsters, heroes, and villains, showing that they are all just power fantasies.  

In short, there is enough unique about the otherwise familiar arc in Fade to Black that makes it my "bullied person takes thematic revenge" recommendation for Halloween.

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