There is a sub-history when it comes to Tobe Hooper films, the man had been famous for a few standouts that caught the public eye (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Poltergeist, Salem's Lot, etc...), but the best stuff, where he really got to run wild, the movies that often went unnoticed or fizzled out of existence, are some of the most shocking and unique films you could ever see. Now, I didn't check out Lifeforce because of his recent passing, it was more to do with me searching through 80's SciFi trailers online. But me watching it has lead me to a deeper appreciation of what he's done, and a desire to seek out some of those more obscure works of his, so expect to see more of that here on Forever Phantasy. Lifeforce is a explosive adaptation of Colin Wilson's The Space Vampires, full of brutality, sexuality, wild effects, and surprisingly good storytelling. Sadly, it never really captured the story of the book proper and so, was shunned by fans and the author himself. Media outlets saw it as little more than big-budget exploitation, as the movie is full of nudity (mainly the breasts and butt of Mathilda May), death, explosions aplenty, and a rather hilarious scene where Steve Railsback kisses Patrick Stewart - surely meant to be shocking, but it just made me laugh uncontrollably for a good two minutes. Essentially it is about Vampires from space, they've been to earth before, and this is why legends and myths of vampires exist. And, that is probably the simplest thing about the movie. Lifeforce almost a role-reversal on Dracula, whereas the male becomes hopelessly ensnared in the vampire female's grasp. A straight talking, overly serious SAS operative acts as the movie's Van Helsing. Seeing a man corrupted by a female, drawn into a maddening existence where one can see the darkest desires of those around them, is genuinely interesting. Sexuality and deviancy is used against every person, shown as a weakness, and even the audience is included in this equation. Mathilda May's full-on nude figure is used constantly shown throughout this movie, she is almost always naked. And a lot of the film draws attention to her very attractive form, clearly being used to drawn the attention of either those interested in seeing it, or offended by sheer amount of nudity - no matter what, people are watching her. However, because of this, the other vampires - nude males, are left to run free. Everyone's attention, characters and viewers, is drawn to May. And so, this leads to the vampires plan's coming to fruition and the world falling to pieces. The only character's truly able to combat the situation are those with the willpower to act beyond themselves, their base desires. How does it all end? A little goofy but effectively nonetheless. I can't help but wonder if Tobe Hooper's aim for this film was to expose the weakness in physical desire, and the destruction a lack of willpower can bring. His films have always used the baser aspects of humanity to shock the audience, be it hunger, curiosity, or ignorance. It isn't so hard to think so. Even if not, you've got a movie full of great practical effects, action scenes, and monsters. More than enough to keep a SciFi or horror buff occupied. -L. BROOKS
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