The Lords of Salem (2012)
Film Review
By the Geezer of Oz
“Heidi, a radio DJ, is sent a box containing a record – a “gift from the Lords”. The sounds within the grooves trigger flashbacks of her town’s violent past. Is Heidi going mad, or are the Lords back to take revenge on Salem, Massachusetts?” (IMDb)
Somewhat different to Rob Zombie‘s previous efforts (both Halloweens and House of 1000 Corpses remakes, The Devil’s Rejects), this one takes a slow pace approach, trying to get us to experience the film’s events and tribulations along with its main character. It is effective to an extent, but I found the viewing experience to be trying. However, this is one of those films that stays with you and gets you to rethink your initial impression, or at least it did with me.
There’s always something grungy and trashy about Zombie‘s work and I’m sure that’s just how he wants it. The storyline seems to be a kind of homage to horror films of the past, influenced by the likes of Rosemary’s Baby and Suspiria. As the film ended, I knew there was something about it I liked, but the viewing experience was jarring. A few weeks later, with time to digest, I can truly say that I hold this film in fairly high esteem and can recommend it to fans of the genre.
Either way, it’s a lot of fun seeing the likes of Sheri Moon Zombie, Meg Foster, Bruce Davison, Ken Foree, Sid Haig, Michael Berryman, Judy Geeson, Maria Conchita Alonso and the awesome Dee Wallace all in the same film.
Deceptively good. 7/10.
