The Obvious Allegory

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Brain Damage (1988)

Written by Tom Fortner

B-movies: the oft-maligned and underrated pieces of art that are routinely shoved behind films that are deemed “better” or “the main attraction”.  

“NO!” I say. “These films deserve to be treated with the same respect and attention as movies with larger budgets and backing from major studios!” 

Well, I mean, most of the time. B-movies aren’t all good. Some aren’t even so-bad-they’re-good good. But they do deserve recognition and appreciation, for sure. There are some real gems in the B-movie catalogue, just like there are some real stinkers in the A-movie lineup. I’m here to talk about one of the gems.

A Brief Overview

Brain Damage is a black comedy horror film released in 1988 directed Frank Henenlotter, the self-proclaimed “exploitation” filmmaker behind such films as Basket Case (1982) and Frankenhooker (1990). The film follows a young man named Brian (Rick Hearst, who is apparently the only living actor to appear on all four remaining American soap operas, go figure) who becomes the host to a parasitic worm that talks and squirts an addictive liquid onto Brian’s brain that induces hallucinations. The worm’s name is Alymer.

Brian understandably becomes addicted to the juice and Alymer keeps giving it to him but only after Brian obeys his orders. Alymer uses Brian as transport and murders people to satiate his appetite while Brian in hallucinating. Pretty soon, Brian learns about the murders and tries to fight back.

The Obvious Allegory

As you might have guessed, the film deals heavily with the themes of drugs and addiction, although Henenlotter remains firm in the notion that Alymer’s addictive juice is just a plot function, not a metaphor. However, whether intentional or not, the elements are just too strong to overlook.

 I mean, Brian’s entire life basically collapses after Alymer enters his life. He even isolates himself from his girlfriend and roommate so drastically that they hook up with each other. I don’t have to tell anyone how absolutely freaking insane that is. Brian also ends up in one of the seediest apartments I’ve seen in an attempt to wean off the fluid, which only turns into a truly nasty withdrawal sequence.

 Sure, it’s a little bit over the top, but it’s also compelling. At least for me, I can’t help but put myself in Brian’s position: would I be able to resist Alymer? Whatever your view on drugs, it’s scary to think that something could control you as completely and totally as Alymer controls Brian. It’s a theme I wish was explored more in horror because I find it very scary.

The Final Consensus 

If your head is reeling from the insanity of what you just read, I don’t blame you. It’s a bonkers concept to say the least, but I’d argue it’s so bonkers that it’s entertaining. As far as B-movies and their reputation for gore and sexuality, I’d say this one is on the lower in of the spectrum. It’s definitely a fun one to put on with your friends.

Plus, the film does an excellent job of balancing the shlocky concept with actual artistry. There’s some pretty amazing surreal imagery in the film when Brian is under the influence of Alymer’s juice, as well as the fantastic practical effects work on Alymer. Alymer, by the way, has a hilariously out of place voice (by legendary horror tv host John Zacherle); sort of an educated American from the 50s vibe. All in all, I would definitely give this one a shot.

Fun Fact: To give you an idea of the guy behind the camera, Frank Henenlotter made a short film named The Slash of the Knife that was originally supposed to be played alongside Pink Flamingos, but was deemed too offensive. What was too offensive about it that it couldn’t be played next to PINK FLAMINGOS you might ask? Well, it has something to do with foreskins…

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