Now, I believe the main reason why it performed so poorly was that Carpenter’s evident inspiration was something that went flying straight over the heads of critics and audiences back in the day, who were probably expecting a more accessible and a more traditional horror flick, akin to a Stephen King novel-to-movie adaptation. And that’s a real shame, because In The Mouth Of Madness, the third and final film in Carpenter’s affectionately coined “Apocalypse Trilogy” (with 1982’s The Thing and 1987’s Prince Of Darkness preceding it), is a bona fide classic in the Lovecraftian horror sub-genre, particularly if you go into it with the appropriate mind-set.
Make no mistake, if you go into it expecting a traditional schlock horror flick, you’ll probably be left a little disappointed. However, if you adjust your expectations for a more thoughtful and self-aware amalgamation of H.P. Lovecraft’s gothic sci-fi/horror, then you’ll be amply rewarded in spades of gooey goodness.
So, apart from the fantastically written and well-paced Lovecraftian story, what makes In The Mouth Of Madness so special? Well, Sam Neill is excellent as the likeable and pragmatic central protagonist, who consistently questions everything that’s thrown at him, which lends a surprisingly believable air of authenticity to the tense and constantly snowballing madcap proceedings. To be honest, Neill’s great in most movies he stars in, but he particularly excels in his turn playing the role of a batshit crazy everyman whose mind has been thrown through the proverbial meat-grinder. Who would’ve thunk it?
Additionally, John Carpenter and Jim Lang’s collaborative heavy rock score is also a real treat, and a noticeable departure from the typical atmospheric synth soundscapes that we’ve become accustomed to from the directorial and musical maestro. Furthermore, as you’d expect from the magnificent American filmmaker, the practical special effects are all on-point too, with flailing tentacle beasts and jaw-droppingly grotesque horror imagery that’ll get right under your skin, but in a really, really good way.
Yep, In The Mouth Of Madness is a super underrated, criminally underappreciated and widely overlooked Lovecraftian horror flick. It’s one of those rare features that really rewards multiple viewings, which is a testament to the meaningful narrative depth hidden between its dense multiplicity of layered cerebral, psychological and physical horror.
Possibly one of the boldest, most memorable and most unique movies from The Master Of Horror’s diverse and prodigious back catalogue – which speaks volumes to its exceptional quality – In The Mouth Of Madness is a legit forgotten gem that was widely misunderstood back in the day. Plus, it’s also got that creepy guy from the painting in Ghostbusters II. What more could you want?