THE CROW (1994)

Film of the Day #190 - 31 Days of Halloween #26

THE CROW
1994 • Alex Proyas

Screenplay: David J. Schow, John Shirley; Based on The Crow by James O'Barr
Cast: Brandon Lee, Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott, Rochelle Davis, Bai Ling, Sofia Shinas, Anna Levine, David Patrick Kelly, Angel David, Laurence Mason, Michael Massee, Tony Todd, Jon Polito
Cinematography: Dariusz Wolski
Music: Graeme Revell
Producer: Edward R. Pressman, Jeff Most

Miramax Films

We killed you dead, there ain't no coming back! There ain't no coming back!

On the night before Halloween, the sinister “Devil’s Night”, a vengeful spirit rises from the shadows to reclaim justice. Following his brutal murder, rock musician Eric Draven is resurrected by mystical forces, transforming him into the iconic avenger known as The Crow. Armed with supernatural powers, he embarks on a mission to avenge his and his fiancée’s deaths. Guided by the allure of poetic justice and draped in a rock ‘n’ roll trenchcoat, white face paint and combat boots, The Crow seeks retribution against the ruthless gang responsible for the heinous crime. One by one, he hunts down the criminals in his quest for vengeance, which ultimately leads him to the sinister gang leader, Top Dollar. Through a symphony of striking visuals, The Crow weaves a tale of undying love, sorrow, and retribution, made all the more poignant by its lead actor’s tragic on-set death.

In a tragic turn mirroring the darkness of The Crow's narrative, the film became infamous due to the untimely death of its star, Brandon Lee, son of legendary martial artist and actor Bruce Lee. During a scene where Michael Massee’s character Fun Boy shoots Eric Draven, a fatal accident occurred when the on-set prop gun was not properly checked for projectiles. When Massee pulled the trigger of what he thought was a gun loaded with blanks, a dummy round was actually lodged in the barrel, which resulted in the round hitting Lee and killing him. The death cast a mournful shadow over the production. Despite the devastating loss, Lee's performance in The Crow stands as a testament to his talent and dedication, immortalizing him in the hearts of fans and adding a profound layer of sadness to the film's enduring legacy. Massee took time off from acting following the accident and revealed in later interviews that the shooting haunted him for the rest of his life. Massee died in 2016. He never watched the film.

Determined to honor Lee's legacy and complete the film, the crew, led by director Alex Proyas, made several critical decisions. Stunt doubles and digital effects were used to integrate Lee's facial features into certain scenes, allowing the character of Eric Draven to maintain consistency throughout the film. Moreover, the script was adjusted, and some scenes were rewritten to accommodate the creative challenges posed by Lee's absence. The cast and crew managed to finish filming, ensuring that The Crow would stand as a tribute to Brandon Lee.

The Crow is an intelligent, beautifully filmed, engrossing, and touching thriller that resonates profoundly with lovers of weird gothic mythological stories. Alex Proyas' vision is nothing short of visionary, blending the elements of haunting narrative and striking visuals seamlessly. His direction delves deep into the heart of the story, unraveling the layers of darkness and love with precision and grace. Drawing inspiration from Neo-Gothic aesthetics, Proyas crafts a world that feels both timeless and contemporary. Each frame is meticulously composed, capturing the essence of the graphic novel in a way that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling. The film becomes a living, breathing canvas, where every shadow, every ray of light, and every nuance of the characters is intricately detailed. Through his lens, the larger-than-life characters spring to life, each frame akin to a carefully crafted panel from the pages of a comic book. Every shot, every visual effect, and every choice of color palette adds depth to the characters and the world they inhabit. The use of Gothic architecture, dimly lit alleyways, and rain-soaked streets creates a foreboding ambiance.

The visual brilliance of The Crow is accompanied by one of the greatest soundtracks of all time, making the film a truly immersive masterpiece. Featuring needle drops from Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Stone Temple Pilots, Rage Against the Machine and Violent Femmes, this carefully curated alt-rock soundtrack is a musical tapestry that perfectly complements the dark and haunting visuals, enhancing the overall depth of the narrative. Each track has been meticulously selected to mirror the film's themes of love, loss, and vengeance. It not only sets the mood but also becomes an integral part of the film's identity. It captures the spirit of the era, reflecting the 1990s alternative music scene.

Michael Wincott's of Top Dollar, the main villain, is extraordinary, adding yet another layer of menace to the film. Wincott creates a character who exudes both charisma and malevolence. With his distinctive voice and commanding presence, he becomes the very embodiment of villainy. His ability to convey a sense of unpredictability (“Quick impression for you: Caw! Caw! Bang! Fuck, I'm dead”) and cold-hearted ruthlessness (“For fuck’s sake, die will ya!”) creates an aura of genuine threat, making him a formidable adversary to Eric Draven. Top Dollar is one of the great, underrated screen villains, his every appearance is riveting and captivating.

Amidst the violence and revenge, Alex Proyas captures glimpses of raw emotion and profound love. Yes, The Crow is a tale of revenge. Yet, a pure love story emerges, unyielding and untainted. This love story, despite being immersed within the blackest of adult fairy tales, shines through, reminding you of the enduring power of love even in the face of darkness. The story of Eric and his fiancée, Shelly Webster, emerges as a beacon of light. Their love is a driving force, a flicker of hope in a desolate landscape. Despite the tragedy that befalls them, their love transcends the boundaries of life and death, becoming a powerful force that defies the very nature of mortality. It's a bond that refuses to be extinguished.

It is unfair that Brandon Lee’s career was cut short right when it was about to take off. He delivers a charismatic performance that would have undoubtedly propelled him to stardom. His presence on screen is captivating. His charisma and talent are on display in every frame he’s in. However, in the face of this heartbreaking loss, The Crow took on a new significance, evolving into more than just a movie but a tribute to Lee's talent and potential. The film's powerful message of love persevering in the face of darkness resonates deeply, especially when viewed in the context of Lee's passing. The themes of love, loss, and redemption portrayed in the movie took on an added poignancy. In a way, The Crow became a testament to his enduring spirit, embodying the very message it portrayed: that love transcends the boundaries of life and death.

This resonance, coupled with the tragic circumstances of its production, undoubtedly contributed to the film's cult status. The Crow became more than a movie; it became a symbol of resilience, both for the characters within the story and for the audience who embraced it. The film's cult following grew as viewers connected not only with the dark, Gothic narrative and the mesmerizing visuals but also with the real-life tragedy that befell its star. The Crow transformed from a mid-90s comic book action film into a cathartic experience, a way to process grief and find meaning in the face of loss. The Crow's journey from tragedy to cult status exemplifies the profound impact that cinema can have on our lives, reminding us that even in the face of darkness, art has the power to inspire, console, and immortalize the human spirit. After all, it can’t rain all the time.

If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. Buildings burn, people die, but real love is forever.

Notoable Awards & Accomplishments

• MTV Movie Award Winner: Best Song - Stone Temple Pilots For the song "Big Empty"

• MTV Movie Award Nominee: Best Actor (Lee)

• Saturn Award Nominee: Best Horror Film

Streaming: FuboTV, Paramount+, Showtime
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most major digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on Blu-Ray and DVD.