“Jacob’s Ladder” was officially released in 1990. (same year Sam Raimi’s Darkman came out) It received positive reviews from critics and made less revenue at the box office. Costing Sony’s now defunct production company Carolco Pictures money. Overtime, the film garnered a cult following as one of the best psychological horror films and went on to inspire other works. Most notably, the “Silent Hill” games. In 2019 remake of Jacob’s Ladder was critically panned. Anyway, it’s Halloween Month 2023. I’ll be reviewing several Horror films throughout October.
This review contains no crucial SPOILERS whatsoever. I’m giving some of you a chance to see this masterpiece. Which Horror film should I review next? Please leave a comment and I’ll reply back.
Stable & Unstable Aspects
Stable: Tim Robbins did an excellent job for his performance. He credits Jacob’s Ladder for helping transition from Comedy to Drama. He later earned an Oscar for “Best Supporting Actor” in “Mystic River.”
Other Cast Members such as the late Elizabeth Peña, Ving Rhames & Jason Alexander all did a great job for their respective performances. I’m surprised Mr. Alexander delivers dramatic chops. I wish he appeared in serious works.
Scare Factor solely relies on Jacob’s symptoms. I prefer psychological elements over Jump Scares. Makes it feel like you’re a part of a trippy experience. Now that’s how you give the audience the heebie jeebies. Not excessive Jump Scares and fake-outs.
Maurice Jarre (Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, Ryan’s Daughter) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Cinematography didn’t suffer from any technical difficulties throughout.
Pacing felt stable for a two-hour film. I never felt bored.
Opening Scene with Jacob in the Vietnam War, immediately kickstarts with him experiencing a disturbing vision. What you’re about to see, and indicates this film will possibly give you night terrors. If you have the guts to watch, prepare yourself.
A familiar former child star plays Jacob’s youngest son. Can you guess who he is?
Practical Effects and Camera Trickery created facial distortions and creature designs.
The film’s title is named after a biblical story. A ladder leading to heaven in a dream a patriarch had. I’m not a big time religious person, but I believe in faith and God.
Prior to enlisting in Vietnam, we learn about Jacob’s backstory as a family man.
Lewis Black (one of my favorite comedians) makes a brief appearance as a doctor.
Primary Themes are Paranoia, Anxiety, Mental Illness, Loss & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Each one’s handled carefully.
A Plot Twist changes everything. I can’t tell you how it ends. You’re gonna have to see for yourself.
After watching for the first time, you can rewatch for subtle clues you missed.
Unstable: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless psychological Horror film.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
One of the best films of 1990, Jacob’s Ladder’s still holds up. A trippy psychological horror film that’ll keep you invested and might give you night terrors. Without it, the Silent Hill series would’ve never existed. If you’re into psychological Horror films, watch the OG Jacob’s Ladder.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 