In the opinion of this writer, Jacob’s Ladder remains one of the most underappreciated and overlooked horror movies ever made. Genre aficionados such as you and I may hold it in high regard, sure, but I’ve found it’s not as well known to your Average Joe.
So, even though Adrian Lyne’s classic from 1990 doesn’t get as much TV play as something from the Friday the 13th or A Nightmare on Elm Street franchises each October, it’s actually a highly influential film. I mean, not only have countless flicks taken visual cues from Jacob’s Ladder, but it also heavily inspired the Silent Hill series of video games. If you require evidence, go back and view the scene showing Tim Robbins’ trip to the hospital. Well, there’s that and various subtle references throughout a few of the games.
Believe it or not, a remake has been gestating in Tinseltown for some time. In fact, it was expected that the retelling directed by David M. Rosenthal hit theaters on February 1st of this year, but according to Dread Central, that’s simply not happening. Bloody Disgusting, meanwhile, isn’t ruling out an opening to be penciled in for later on in 2019, but we can’t be too sure until the studio gives us something concrete.
As much as I love the original, I’m actually not going to view a remake as some sort of blasphemy. Hey, any time a remake, reboot or sequel relating to something I dig sees the light of day, I’m guaranteed to give it a chance at the very least.
For more, here’s the preliminary synopsis:
After returning home from the Vietnam War, veteran Jacob Singer struggles to maintain his sanity. Plagued by hallucinations and flashbacks, Singer rapidly falls apart as the world and people around him morph and twist into disturbing images. A remake of the 1990 thriller starring Tim Robbins.
Stay tuned for further info on the latest iteration of Jacob’s Ladder as more develops.