Reviewed by Melissa Antoinette Garza
Pete Walker is one of those horror icons that though isn’t exactly obscure, certainly isn’t given the recognition he deserves. Perhaps, it is the way he reflects on his own work which dictates the lack of reverence received by the horror community at large. He has such modesty over his films and the purpose they serve. When watching him talk, I wanted to be the individual interviewing him so I could state aloud, “you’ve made some of the most intense and terrifying films with such character depth, intriguing plots and incredible dialogue.” Sure it wouldn’t be a question, but at least maybe I’d be able afford him my opinion which is simply that he is one of the few filmmakers who should hold his movies in a higher regard.
So often there are pretentious moviemakers, who put together garbage, like Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2 or Derek Cianfrance’s Blue Valentine. The directors of movies like those had pretty high budgets, but were a series of empty scenes with decorations thrown in. Those reminded me of the adult version of waving keys in front of a child.
Pete Walker’s masterpieces include Die Screaming Marianne (1971), Schizo (1976) and The Comeback (1978). The latter is one of Geno’s favorite horror films so when I found House of Mortal Sin on Blu-Ray, his Christmas shopping became very easy. We had never seen it, and the synopsis sounded extremely interesting, especially because Geno and I suffered through our fair share of Catholic sermons and Catechism classes. I remember knowing the Act of Contrition, The Ten Commandments, Hail Mary and the Our Father, but I blessed myself with my left hand (as I’m a leftie) rather than my right and all hell broke loose. I was made to stand for the rest of the class and advised I was on the side of the devil and should learn how to write with my right hand. That was the last time I went back.
House of Mortal Sin really delves into the hypocrisy of church officials when it comes to their own weaknesses. Here, the example is much more profound and perverse. Father Xavier Meldrum (Anthony Sharp) lusts after a woman who comes to confess her sins. Meldrum blames her on again/off again boyfriend on the situation and sets out to kill him, only to nearly kill an innocent man. Still, he finds a way to justify his actions.
Meldrum’s aide also shows an evil streak going as far to be threatening and callous to his mother, a woman who cannot speak or communicate the horrible actions she has seen or those done to her.
There are twists and turns despite this not being a whodunit. The conclusion is certainly something the viewer will be surprised by.
The characters are fantastic as is the casting. Walker uses several familiar faces within his productions and his choices are always perfect for the chosen roles.
Overall, I can’t recommend this one enough. Though many may take exception with the depiction of the church, I doubt those would watch horror flicks anyways – unless it was The Passion of the Christ.
Scared Stiff Rating: 8/10
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