By Melissa Garza
“You evil son of a bitch!” – Sheriff Dan Gillis (James Farentino)
“Dead & Buried” opens with a photographer on the beach begins flirting with Linda (Nancy Locke) a local resident of the small town Potters Bluff. Out of nowhere the photographer is viciously attacked by the townsfolk. With Linda’s approval they tie him to a tree and burn him to near death. Sheriff Dan Gillis (James Farentino), the only one unaware of the murder, begins to thoroughly investigate the crime. The locals though his friends, are still suspect and he begins talking to them. Everyone feigns concern and it is soon apparent that the only one who isn’t aware of the dark sinister side of the coastal town is the sheriff. Gillis turns his attention to the old eccentric mortician William Dobbs (Jack Albertson). Dobbs gleefully tells Gillis that the work he does is that of a magician.
Before the Sheriff can make heads or tales out of the first victim, another is found. This time the crime is murder. Gillis decides to take a break from the case and visit’s the photographer at the hospital. As he speaks with the doctor about the patient’s condition, Linda sneaks in and murders the photographer.
Gillis goes back to Dobbs and demands answers. Dobbs isn’t helpful. Instead he states that he’s upset the casket for the burned photographer will be a closed one. He wants to work his magic. After a much heated exchange, Gillis leaves. He retreats home and seeks solace and understanding from his wife Janet (Melody Anderson). Though sympathetic to his concerns, she is unmoved by the rash of violence in the small town. His distrust extends to her when it is learned that Janet who teaches young children has been schooling her students about Witch Craft and Voodoo. Gillis demands to know why, and Janet just responds that children enjoy ‘creepy‘ things.
Soon a couple with their small child drift into town. Completely lost, they ask the local restaurant hostess to point towards the nearest gas station. Coincidentally, the gas attendant is in the diner. When he turns around it is revealed that the dead photographer is alive and well without so much as a scar upon him. He now sits smiling and tipping his cap with those that had murdered him.
The unsuspecting couple attempts to follow the directions they were given to drive out of town, but a thick fog prevents their trip. They get into a small accident and find a nearby house to walk into. The rooms are dark, and as they yell for assistance, shadows can be seen lurking outside. The townsfolk are prepared to take their next victims. The reason, is however the core to this excellent film.
The two most important factors for a movie such as this is the pace and atmosphere. Both of which “Dead & Buried” perfect. It’s haunting and creepy. Pitch black rooms are used without music to create a wonderfully eerie setting. The extreme politeness of the murdering townsfolk is disturbing enough to cause tension while viewing. The calm reactions as they take a life is unsettling. The determination of Gillis to find out what is going on compounds the audience’s need to know as well. Not only is there the need to fulfill the individual’s curiosity, but also one can’t help to root for Gillis to find out the truth for himself.
The acting is superb. In a supporting role, horror icon Robert Englund stands out as always. Even if it is only for a few minutes, to see Englund in anything is a treat, and this is no exception. On a side note and in reference to Englund. It is rumored that a revision of the classic “Nightmare on Elm St.” is going to be made. Let it be said that there is and will always be only one Freddy Krueger. Englund made that role and only a fool would try to cast anyone else. You can’t recreate perfection, so please leave Freddy to the master. If Englund is done with the series then the series is dead.
Now back to the film. It goes without saying that Jack Albertson did a sensational job. While most may recognize his work as Grandpa from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” his performance in both this film and the Twilight Zone’s episode “The Shelter” are testimonies to how versatile an actor he was. As a dramatic performer he was wonderfully utilized in both productions.
Finally, Farentino is excellent in the lead. He carries the overall tone beautifully. The way in which he relays the Sheriff’s passion and determination is what keeps the audience most interested. The closer Gillis gets to knowing the truth the more is revealed to the audience. Farentino portrays a real hero that the audience wants to see prevail. What is more is that the production is almost told from his singular perspective. Though we initially have slightly more insight into the happenings than he does, and know more about the involvement of everyone, it is his trepidation, fear and conquest that hold the film together so well.
Overall, “Dead & Buried” is a perfect example of what a horror movie is supposed to be. It’s captivating, compelling, and has an excellent plot that will keep the audience guessing. Unlike today’s garbage, there isn’t a twist for the sake of having a twist. Instead, the revelation at the end makes perfect sense in a bizarre and twisted way.
Some have attested that there were evident plot holes in the conclusion. Without providing any spoilers, I can state that every event that transpires can be explained through the movie itself. As long as one suspends enough belief to accept the answers the film provides, there are no holes whatsoever. In fact, the ending is one of the best in the genre and showcases a great exchange between the two lead characters.
Finally, one can only hope that the powers-that-be leave this one untouched. The “filmmakers” (using that term loosely) have massacred the name of so many classic horror productions recently. Now, even the lesser known gems have been redone in a way that would make any true fan cringe. An intelligent and thought provoking gem like this needs to be left alone.
Scared Stiff Rating: 8.5/10
