As many of us know, drugs can be a lot of fun. Not always, given the circumstances, but more often than not, drugs are fun. Weird, 80's Horror movies involving drugs, however, well, those are always fun. And nobody knows this better than weird, 80's Horror director, Frank Henenlotter, who was once known only for a little cult gem called Basket Case https://trashepics.com/post/9/49/. It would be 6 years before Henenlotter would attempt a follow up. Today, we're going to talk about Brain Damage. The first film of several which gives us the idea that when Frank Henenlotter finds a formula he likes, he by God sticks with it. While most of Henenlotter's films may have a bit too much in common with Basket Case, at times, it's a pretty easy thing to overlook, for me. Because the Henenlotter formula always entertains.

In Brain Damage, we find an elderly couple losing their shit due to their pet Parasite-Worm hightailing it. For a while, we're not certain of the significance, but we soon discover this thing is like a walking drug. A walking, talking drug, actually. A silver tongued "Aylmer" who has the ability to inject a psychedelic drug into people's brains, giving them one hell of a trip. Unfortunately, a drug that is highly addictive. That's not even the catch. We'll get to the catch.

In the same apartment building, the Aylmer finds a new friend to share his brain candy with. A guy named Brian, who hasn't quite been himself lately. It's not entirely clear what his problem is, but he seems very bored with life. Definitely depressed. He'll do just fine, says Aylmer. After giving him a couple doses, Aylmer convinces Brian to take him out for a while. Being higher than he's been in his entire life, Brian would agree to pretty much anything. While out, things get a little clearer. For us, the viewer. Not so much for Brian. Aylmer kills a guy and eats his brain. Brian is oblivious for now, but a time will come when these two will need to sit down and have a talk.

Once Brian notices, he's far from cool with Aylmer killing, especially since it's mostly people he comes in contact with. This issue is certainly addressed ASAP, but by now, it's far too late for Brian to be making demands, or to even negotiate. Aylmer's got him. Either Brian keeps on helping him find food, or it's back to boring old sobriety. That's to assume he makes it past the excruciating agony of withdrawals. A far worse cold Turkey than Heroin, it would seem. Brian can't take it, and soon, caves in, as Aylmer always knew he would. The thing about Aylmer is that he's been around for centuries, and is a long sought after legend, who has been kidnapped by many, a lot of which probably lived to regret it. In other words, Aylmer knows how to get what he wants. And without compromise. So, that's about the size of it. Brian's fucked!

It was a smart subject matter to exploit for the times. A time when drugs, even pot, were looked down upon more so, and in some cases, misunderstood. And with the Basket Case similarities present, it all worked incredibly well. Personally, I'm very much on the Basket Case bandwagon, but I can easily see why someone might favor this one. It is a hell of a lot of fun. Speaking of Basket Case, the completely uninspired, yet welcomed cameo by Duane and Belial of course deserves a mention, as little sense as it made. Duane and Belial make everything more fun.

Aylmer seems friendly enough, but don't let his calming demeanor fool you. That thing is a selfish asshole. And I can't help but feel for his victims. Not so much the people who got their brains sucked out and eaten. But the vulnerable Brian, who never stood a chance. But especially the elderly couple from the beginning, who apparently spent decades tripping their asses off and loving life, only for it all to be snatched away in an instant. Doesn't sound worth it to me. Personally, I would have had my fun, and then kick that thing to the curb once it got mouthy. And then smoke some pot, or something. Fuck him!

Brain Damage is quite possibly the perfect Henenlotter movie, as well as the perfect variation of the Henenlotter formula involving an otherwise normal person dealing with a freak of some sort in some very unorthodox ways, which, more often than not, makes him appear crazy. But there is something about this one that is somewhat timeless. A movie which has aged well most likely due to the fact that it's subject matter remains as relevant as it was in the anti-drug 80's. In fact, I'm a little surprised there's never even been talk of a remake. I'd check it out, because I think it would be a hard concept to seriously fuck up. Maybe even a little more depth and character development would be in order. Which is one thing Brain Damage is lacking. A forgiveable flaw considering everything else that goes down. But as we all know, some things can only be duplicated to an extent. And in that case, it probably wouldn't even be worth the effort. Because the wonderful Henenlotter weirdness is truly one of a kind. 7/10