MANDY (2019)

a review by Evan Landon

When I did my review on Color Out Of Space, I mentioned how it was compared to this mesmerizing film by writer/director Panos Cosmatos & felt the need to speak on this highly divisive film. The similarities don't just end with both being cosmic horror films starring Nicolas Cage & utilizing vivid colors, but both were co-produced by Elijah Wood! I love that dude more & more every day, I gotta tell ya.

Cosmatos came onto the scene back in 2010 with Beyond the Black Rainbow, a science fiction horror film that I would also like to review, and his way of filmmaking is unlike anything I have ever seen before. It is not so much a movie as it is an experience. That could have something to do with the acid I took when I watched it, but then I went back & watched it again minus the hallucinogenics. Samesies. His father, George P. Cosmatos, is also a very well known director for his work on Rambo: First Blood Part II, the Villainous Cinema-adored deep sea science fiction horror flick Leviathan, & a tiny, little, critically-acclaimed American Western called Tombstone. Little Panos first cut his teeth in the industry as second unit video assist operator on that one.

For anyone who is highly involved in the horror community, or even the indie movie scene, the well-initiated are very aware how polarizing this film is. To one who thinks the movie is genius, there is one who thinks it is complete trash. Not every movie or artist has that kind of effect on the viewer. Think Marylin Manson of the movie realm; there really is no middle ground when it comes to an opinion.

The movie really is like 2 movies in one, sort of like From Dusk Til Dawn where half way thru the film, it completely shifts tonally into a different film. The first part of this movie has a very 1980's metal album cover art feel. It is even set off with the King Crimson tune, "Starless", which gives the viewer an overall feel for the score and visuals that accompany the story. The rest of the astoundingly concise soundtrack was fulfilled by the Icelandic composer, Jóhann Jóhannsson, who also did work on James Marsh's Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory Of Everything & Darren Aronofsky's allegorical psychological thriller Mother!. It's this music video-esque vibe that really sets the film apart, also making it incredibly polarizing for the audience.

I won't spoil too much because that would be wrong, but this movie is very contentious: some think that the entire first act is thrown away for a more stylistic approach. I, myself, find the contrast much more interesting than not throwing all caution into the wind. I also think the entire movie was one giant fever dream from Cosmatos that plays out in real time with the correct amount of poise, artistic relevance, & poise a trippy ass nostalgic film one would only grasp.

It is one of a kind & should be viewed by any horror fan at least once. Like I said, however, the movie is very divisive with some calling it brilliant and those who don't calling it garbage. I think you know where I stand here, but make your own decision & fill out your comment cards below.

I will say this though: I never knew how bad I always wanted a chainsaw fight on acid before this movie. I have never felt so fulfilled.

5 out of 5