There are some truly incredible visionaries that are working in the film industry, and it’s remarkable when auteurs like Sam Raimi get the right opportunities to prove what they can accomplish. Sam Raimi is a director that cut his teeth in the low-budget horror genre, but he’s become an influential name when it comes to superhero cinema.
Many of the touchstones that Raimi establishes in his Spider-Man trilogy are still followed in modern superhero movies. Raimi is set to make his big return to the genre with the upcoming Doctor Strange sequel, but Raimi’s strongest superhero vehicle is actually 1990’s moody Darkman.
10 It’s An Original Idea
The most common approach when it comes to superhero movies is to deliver adaptations of popular series and characters. This isn’t a guarantee, but it typically allows for a bigger audience and greater interest in the project. However, adapting an established property also comes with the frustrations of the public’s preconceived notions on the superhero and a wealth of studio compromises that need to be made.
None of these expectations exist with Darkman, since it’s Raimi’s idea that’s based on his own short story. Darkman is certainly inspired by 1930s era Universal monsters, but it’s still an original character.
9 The Special Effects & Makeup Work
The majority of Sam Raimi’s directorial efforts feature impressive special effects that demonstrate a true appreciation for practical work and a more old-fashioned approach to horror and science fiction. This is no different in Darkman and Tony Gardner does exceptional work to create Darkman’s iconic burned face.
Liam Neeson’s prosthetics were a lengthy procedure, but the end result in the movie is undeniable. Raimi’s later superhero efforts look more polished and lean more towards CGI, which Darkman avoids. There’s also such a gleeful celebration of old Hollywood effects, like whenever Peyton Westlake’s maniacal tendencies let loose.
8 Incredible Performances From Neeson & The Rest Of The Cast
Casting remains one of the most important aspects of a superhero movie. Raimi’s decision to cast Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man works, but other competent Peter Parkers have surfaced over the years. Darkman resonates so well because it has such an accomplished cast that knows when to treat the material like a painful drama and when it should become more exaggerated.
Liam Neeson has a very difficult task in bringing Peyton Westlake and his alter ego, Darkman, to life, but it’s a nuanced performance. The same can be said for Frances McDormand and Colin Friels, who disappear into their characters.
7 The Lack Of Absurd Superpowers
Superheroes have always told hyperbolized stories, but superpowers have only gotten more elaborate. Spider-Man is a hero with many tricks up his sleeve, which Raimi elegantly captures. Peter Parker comes to grips with his powers, but he’s still able to accomplish incredible things.
Darkman’s only conceivable “power” is his ability to transform his appearance. This is still a major asset for Darkman, but his unusual ability is just as much a curse to him and something that makes him feel like a monster. Peyton Westlake is just different enough to stand out, but to not feel overpowered.
6 It Doesn’t Get Milked Into A Franchise
It’s become increasingly difficult for any successful superhero movie to not balloon into a lengthy franchise. This continual need to raise the stakes became Raimi’s undoing with Spider-Man 3, and his proposed Spider-Man 4 might have faced the same problems.
Raimi is able to end Darkman on his own terms and not progressively dilute the property. Admittedly, there are two direct-to-video Darkman sequels and a wealth of supplementary materials like comics and video games, but they all feel far enough removed from Raimi’s film that they can be viewed as their own entities.
5 It’s Not Afraid To Get Dark
Different superhero films lean into different tones and atmospheres, with some coming across as incredibly grim whereas others are overly sentimental and optimistic. Raimi’s Spider-Man movies retain the energy of the comics and while there are some heavier moments, they’re few and far between.
Alternatively, Darkman is a superhero story that doesn’t shy away from Westlake’s pain and agony after his transformation. There’s a much bleaker ending than what’s to be expected and every time Darkman’s homicidal tendencies get the better of him it’s genuinely frightening.
4 The Incredible Action Set Pieces
It’s common for superhero movies to get distilled down to their biggest action set pieces and Sam Raimi is certainly a director that knows how to create a complex spectacle. The Spider-Man movies, particularly Spider-Man 2, excel in these areas as Spider-Man fears that he’s met his match.
There’s a level of visceral fear that’s present in Darkman that makes the stunts feel more dangerous and explosive. There’s a phenomenal sequence where Darkman takes on a helicopter that’s still a technical achievement now, let alone back in 1990.
3 The Romance Between Peyton & Julie That’s At Its Core
Darkman is heavily focused on Peyton Westlake’s odd transformation and the new and reclusive life that he adopts for himself. It’s a dark story, but the beating heart of the narrative is Westlake’s relationship with Frances McDormand’s Julie Hastings.
Julie becomes Darkman’s North Star and she feels like a valuable piece of his character and not just some perfunctory damsel in distress. Darkman even selflessly chooses to leave Julie behind because he knows he’ll only endanger her. Peter Parker’s relationship with Mary Jane Watson is important, but also one of the weaker elements from the Spider-Man movies.
2 The Villain Is Grounded & Still Genuinely Terrifying
A major issue with superhero movies is that they’re only as strong as their villain. Characters like Spider-Man have an impressive rogues gallery, but enemies like the Green Goblin, Dr. Octopus, or Sandman all require some heavy suspension of disbelief.
Raimi’s Darkman leaves its enemies grounded, superpowerless, and makes them feel like real corrupt individuals in the process. Colin Friels’ Louis Strack Jr. and Larry Drake’s Robert Durant are slimy in the best way possible. They’re privileged, disaffected industrialists, mob bosses, but they bring with them very real threats.
1 Its Evocative & Powerful Ending
Part of the reason that Darkman has become such a beloved cult hit is because of its confident ending. Peyton Westlake seems to finally come to terms with his new abilities, but he decides that what’s best for him is to remove himself from society and fully immerse himself in the Darkman persona.
Westlake’s appearance changes one last time and he delivers a chilling speech about how he is both everyone and no one in this new role as Darkman. It honestly carries the same weight as the iconic “I am Iron Man” ending from the original Iron Man.
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