PUMPKINHEAD is, without a doubt, the perfect horror film. It is a celebration of the genre simply by existing while, simultaneously, setting par for all films in it's class. I may even go as far as to say that there should have been no failed horror films made post PUMPKINHEAD, but I think you understand my level of praise by this point... and said praise has been honestly earned.
The formula we see meticulously derived and executed is as classic as the film it's self; one of the most respected special effects masters in the field decides he wants to write and direct his own film, and uses it as a means to showcase his ability honestly. Notice how I did NOT say that one of the most respected special effects masters in the field decides he wants to write and direct his own film TO showcase his ability honestly. That, friends, is the difference between PUMPKINHEAD and similar efforts. Story is first and forefront, with Stan Winston's career talent augmenting said story in order to create an extremely well executed film.
The classic devices are all present: flashbacks to show the subject of the film isn't just some random event, proper character motivation (i.e. everyone has motives, and these motives are present in the character without having to spell them out), supernatural elements being presented with respect (as opposed to using that theme as a cop out to allow the carnage to flow), and a full story with defined beginning, middle, and end.
Oh, and Lance Henrickson... the most important classic device of all.
For the uninitiated, PUMPKINHEAD spins a revenge tale with a supernatural twist. Ed Harley (portrayed by Lance Henrickson) is a back woods grocer. When a group of young city folk accidentally kill his son, Ed sets out to find Haggis, a witch in the (even more backwoods) mountains to bring his son back. She explains that it is beyond her power however, if he asks for it, she can help Ed summon a demon of vengeance to right where he had been wronged... for a far greater price than any amount of precious metals Ed could supply her.
And so Ed Harley searches out a long forgotten pumpkin patch graveyard, where the mountain types bury their "touched" kin. He digs up and brings one such corpse to Haggis who (using Ed's blood) instills new life into it's husk and thus, Pumpkinhead is born. The beast goes on a rampage of destruction as the reality of what Ed has done finally hits home, and he sets out to right his own wrong, knowing no sense of vengeance will return his boy to him.
One of the strongest points in PUMPKINHEAD isn't even what is told, but what you are left to infer. Haggis makes mention to the "ultimate price" throughout her encounters with Ed, leaving one to assuming she is hinting at a damned soul. The unspoken revelation at the end, however, proves her toll to be worse than that as Pumpkinhead begins to look more human while Ed absorbs features of the beast. To me, this concept is the true story held within the film. The revenge motif is too obvious and, personally, I believe is the gimmick that allows the idea of "releasing the monster makes one the monster" really shine. It's not the area of a cloud that makes it beautiful, no... the white of the cloud exists only to allow you to appreciate the silver lining.
Unfortunately, as with most genre films of the 80s, the original idea behind PUMPKINHEAD has been regurgitated in three sub-par sequels, an obscure computer game, and (today) is left only as a pleasing afterthought in the memories of horror fans. To me, this film is as classic as THE NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, HALLOWEEN, CHILD'S PLAY, and EVIL DEAD. It's the unsung hero of an era when really good ideas actually made it to the theatres, rather than the derivative fodder we call "blockbusters" today.
Where to find PUMPKINHEAD? Halloween is upon us but if this year is like past years, good luck finding it through your normal retail avenues. PUMPKINHEAD exists as a VHS release, as well as multiple dvd versions (with none more superior than the other), both of which you can find on the internet relatively cheap. Not one for the collection, but something you wish to see? You could always check it out here.
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