An indepth look at Rob Zombie's horror classic House of 1000 Corpses
Some may argue that Rob Zombie should keep his apocalyptical creativity to the auditory art. But, lets pretend for a moment that the Rob Zombie that everyone knows is not the same man who ruined a John Carpenter classic. Or, that he is not the same man that brought the world the oddity of The Devil's Rejects. Rather, let us focus on Rob Zombie for his controversial, breakout film, House of 1000 Corpses.
The film itself is the creative brainchild of the horror obsessed Zombie. Rooted in classic monster movies and exploitation films, Corpses acts as a vessel for bringing a new generation of fans closer to the edge of true horror. However, the film spent much time in the rejection rack and was eventually met with harsh criticism. But, while the film may seem like an unorganized bad dream, it displays a rough, pseudo-calming fixation with character development and heart.
The Set Up
As if scripted from a highlight reel of 1960's horror films, the story follows two young couples on their cross-country journey. Unfortunately for the quartet (highlighted by a neurotic Rain Wilson), they stumble upon a creepy roadside gas station/chicken shack. Here we are introduced to the creepy Captain Spaulding, played by Sid Haig. After the kids demonstrate their aptitude as rude city folk, they find themselves face to face with the legend of Dr. Satan.
After some argument and banter, the adventurous clan accepts the challenge and quickly makes their way down the road of doubt and mystery. Enter the generic plot catalyst of a lonely, beautiful hitchhiker. Of course the team picks up the girl before heading down the figurative (yet very real) road to inevitable doom.
From here, the story progresses in a manner forcing the viewer think the characters have a chance at retribution (but of course, being an exploitation film, they don't stand a chance). The characters spend most of the film on the run from a psychotic family known as the Fireflies. Unfortunately, they quickly find out that the Fireflies are responsible for countless disappearances and deaths throughout the area, and must try to survive a barrage of horrendous attacks and hideous tests.
An Homage to Times Past
Simply put, this movie tests the squeamish. But while some may think that Zombies vision of horror is a little unnecessary, the tactful scenes and excessive deaths lend themselves to something greater than just a movie. Because the Fireflies (all named after Groucho Marx characters) work as puzzle pieces in the grand scheme of the film, they contribute to the overall purpose of the movie.
This means that each family member is developed with individual personalities, and they adapt the direct actions and consequences of their dialogue. Through this method, Zombie allows the Fireflies to impact and control the actions of the story directly. What is unique is how Zombie conveys the message of the story through the eyes of the main characters. And, while using antagonists and protagonists is by no means new, he builds up the Fireflies forcing us to sympathize with their plight and wonder what will happen to them tomorrow.
