Meet Aylmer! Aylmer is a sardonic alien parasite looking for a new best friend. Aylmer's elderly roommates keep his favorite snack (brains) in regular supply, but not the fresh, human variety he prefers. Aylmer needs a change, and finds what he’s looking for in Brian (Rick Hearst), a kind, slow-witted young man living down the hall. Brian is happy to take Aylmer on long walks in the city at night, so long as Aylmer gives Brian something in return. You see, Aylmer generates a special blue liquid which, when injected into the human spine, induces euphoria. Aylmer gets Brian hooked, and keeps him high enough to remain oblivious to the duo’s nightly homicidal activities. What’s going to happen if Brian sobers up?
Brain Damage is low budget horror/comedy perfection. Writer/director Frank Henenlotter (Basket Case, Frankenhooker) keeps things fun with his dark sense of humor while simultaneously telling a grim allegory of intravenous drug addiction. Henenlotter'd sense of camera movement and shot framing make this film eminently watchable, allowing him to succeed where lesser directors with limited resources often fail. Combine the director’s skills with a great synth score, a convincing performance by Hearst, and imaginative creature design for the phallic, wisecracking Aylmer, and you’ve got something cooking.
Be aware that this film is not for general consumption. Henenlotter’s work plays best for audiences who enjoy the unique touches of economy horror without being distracted by its limitations. If you aren’t part of that crew then it’s likely you’ll be distracted by the poor supporting performances and overlong runtime of this film, and I wouldn’t fault you for it. Speaking for myself, the amateurish grit and general 80s genre weirdness of Brain Damage make me feel right at home. Check this one out.
