Dr. Giggles
90s Horror Brings Reminders of Re-Animator, Halloween, and More!
A long time ago, horror movies were simply about putting teens into a situation they couldn’t escape, and killing them off so gently that it exuded a type of artistic expression. Of course, films have changed a lot since then.
Fortunately, however, one such film exists that portrays all the good grace of a delicately crafted horror film…Dr. Giggles. Now, don’t laugh just yet, because the film does the genre a lot more justice than given credit for.
The Set Up
As for many horror films made before the year 2000, Dr. Giggles follows the nightmare structure (aptly named because it turns everyday situations and people into brutal killers, delivering the viewer the nightmare question of, “what if that happens to me?”).
In a nutshell, Dr. Giggles breaks free from his cell in the local Looney bin (does this sound like Halloween to anyone else?), and decides to head home to finish his fathers demented doctor-esque killing spree.
But yes, the story is deeper than that. As the late Evan (Dr. Giggles’ father) was killed by the towns folk (Krueger, anyone?) for killing innocent patients in order to find a replacement heart for his ailing wife, Dr. Giggles attempts the same task. Luckily for plot continuity, there just happens to be a teen with a heart condition that Giggles stumbles upon.
The Classic Killer Archetype
Despite what modern horror films will tell you, a good movie will follow the classic killer archetype. Dr. Giggles does a great job of achieving all the highpoints of a killer. In short, all of Giggles kills are themed and follow a strict diet of one-liners before the coup de gras. This gives the killer character and purpose.
Of course, this provides a great amount of humor for the viewer, but on a grander scope, it allows the viewer to watch the film on cruise control. Because of this Larry Drake (L.A Law, American Pie 2) plays a highly appropriate killer (as all he has to be is Dr. Giggles).
Homage to Killers Past?
While Dr. Giggles was made in 1992, the film does a great job of referencing the films that established the horror genre throughout the 80’s. Be sure to note the throwback Giggles pays to Jason and Michael Myers as he slowly walks through the forest, and never looses his potential victim. And, much like other classic killers, no attention is spent to the humanity of Giggles’ who is shot, stabbed, blown up (literally in the same style as Loomis in Halloween 2), electrocuted, and finally impaled.
If that is not enough evidence, Dr. Giggles kills using a syringe of glowing green liquid (Re-animator), is admitted into child psychology at a young age (Halloween), has a troubled relationship with his mother (Psycho), and even kills using a saw (Texas Chainsaw Massacre).
What do you think about this article?
More in Film & TV
Latest Articles