Each time I watch this one it gets better... First time through I wasn't about to give the movie high marks but there were a few favorite moments. Next time through I started to appreciate the whole production and was writing down quotes. By the third time, I had convinced myself that this was high art (of the Re-Animator sort) and every moment was precious. Perhaps you will buy a copy on this recommendation and say I'm completely insane. At the very least, there are some very sexy moments during the long opium den scene. It's hard not to respond (in so many ways) to John - high as a kite and hallucinating on opium - reclining passively, furrowed brow sweating so charmingly. I just want to stroke the brow, tell him it will be alright, and then take wicked advantage of him while he's drugged senseless. :::evil:::
Warning: Massive spoiler at the end and I point out some really squicky/slashy stuff. Don't look if it bothers you.
The grotesque stuff:
Ok, he dies. And then Holmes proceeds to handle John in a way I find really slashy and erotic (not that they meant it to be in any way.) The really squicky part? Holmes is played by Charlton Heston. Ick. But if I can make myself forget who's hand is involved, I was enthralled with the image of masculine hands intimately rooting around in John's mouth (for the thorn that killed him) and adjusting his head here and there (fingers in the hair, etc.) Don't think too hard about that - just trust me. It's really hot out of context, in slow motion.
