S02 E09 - In the Mouth of Tangents (In the Mouth of Madness)

Aahfter Horror

This week, the boys (minus Dan) discuss the finer points of mob mentality and Cheer goes back to school.

John Carpenter's "In the Mouth of Madness," released in 1994, is a psychological horror film that delves into the blurred lines between reality and insanity. The movie follows insurance investigator John Trent, played by Sam Neill, as he is hired to find a missing horror author named Sutter Cane. Trent's search leads him to a small town called Hobb's End, the fictional setting of Cane's novels, and as he delves deeper into the mystery, the boundaries between Cane's fiction and the real world become increasingly distorted. Carpenter employs a Lovecraftian theme, blending cosmic horror with psychological terror, creating an unsettling atmosphere where the fabric of reality unravels. The film is a metafictional journey that questions the nature of reality, the power of storytelling, and the thin line between creativity and madness.

"In the Mouth of Madness" is lauded for its mind-bending narrative and Carpenter's expert direction, which combines practical effects and surreal visuals to craft an immersive horror experience. As the film progresses, it challenges traditional horror tropes, playing with the audience's perceptions and expectations. Sam Neill delivers a compelling performance as a man caught in a nightmarish descent into a reality that becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish from the fantastical worlds created by Sutter Cane. With its innovative approach to storytelling and its exploration of existential horror, "In the Mouth of Madness" remains a cult favourite among horror enthusiasts, showcasing Carpenter's ability to create atmospheres of intense psychological unease.

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