“Nightmares in a Damaged Brain,” also known simply as “Nightmare,” is a 1981 American slasher film directed by Romano Scavolini. Known for its graphic violence and psychological horror, the film gained notoriety for its intense and controversial content, which led to it being classified as a “video nasty” in the United Kingdom.
Overview
- Title: Nightmares in a Damaged Brain
- Alternative Title: Nightmare
- Director: Romano Scavolini
- Producer: Sam Sherman, Edmondo Amati
- Writer: Romano Scavolini
- Cinematography: Gualtiero Manozzi
- Music: Jack Eric Williams
- Release Year: 1981
- Genre: Slasher, Psychological Horror
- Runtime: Approximately 97 minutes
- Language: English
Plot Summary
The film follows George Tatum, a man recently released from a psychiatric institution where he was treated for violent psychosis. Plagued by horrific nightmares and flashbacks of a traumatic childhood event, George embarks on a killing spree as he tries to track down his estranged family in Florida.
Main Plot Points:
- Release from Institution: George Tatum (Baird Stafford) is released from a mental institution after being treated with experimental drugs for his violent tendencies and disturbing nightmares.
- Hallucinations and Flashbacks: George is haunted by gruesome hallucinations and flashbacks of a traumatic event from his childhood, where he witnessed and possibly participated in a brutal murder.
- Killing Spree: As George travels south from New York to Florida, he begins a series of brutal murders, unable to control his violent impulses.
- Family in Danger: George’s ultimate goal is to find his estranged wife Susan (Sharon Smith) and their children, whom he believes are tied to his traumatic past.
- Climactic Confrontation: The film culminates in a tense and bloody showdown as George confronts his family and his own fractured psyche.
Characters
- George Tatum (Baird Stafford): The protagonist, a deeply troubled man struggling with violent psychosis and traumatic memories.
- Susan Temper (Sharon Smith): George’s estranged wife, who becomes a central figure in his disturbed mind.
- C.J. Temper (C.J. Cooke): George and Susan’s son, who unknowingly becomes a target in George’s psychotic breakdown.
- Dr. Schneider (Mik Cribben): The psychiatrist who treats George and believes in the efficacy of the experimental drugs.
Notable Elements
- Graphic Violence: The film is known for its explicit and graphic depictions of violence, which were controversial at the time of its release.
- Psychological Horror: The focus on George’s mental deterioration and the exploration of his traumatic past adds a psychological depth to the horror.
- Special Effects: The special effects, particularly the gore and practical effects, were a significant aspect of the film’s shock value.
Reception
- Critical Reception: “Nightmares in a Damaged Brain” received mixed reviews. While some praised its intense atmosphere and psychological complexity, others criticized it for its gratuitous violence and disturbing content.
- Controversy: The film was one of the notorious “video nasties” in the United Kingdom, leading to its ban and subsequent censorship issues. It was eventually released in a heavily edited form.
- Cult Following: Despite its controversial nature, the film has garnered a cult following, particularly among fans of extreme horror and slasher films.
Legacy
- Impact on Horror Genre: The film’s graphic violence and psychological horror influenced later works in the genre, particularly those that explore the intersection of mental illness and violence.
- Home Media Releases: “Nightmares in a Damaged Brain” has been released on various home video formats, including DVD and Blu-ray, often featuring restored versions and special features.
- Notoriety as a “Video Nasty”: The film’s inclusion in the “video nasty” list has cemented its place in horror history as a controversial and significant work.
Additional Information
- Director’s Vision: Romano Scavolini aimed to create a film that delved deeply into the mind of a psychotic killer, focusing on the psychological horror rather than just the physical acts of violence.
- Music and Sound Design: Jack Eric Williams’ score contributes to the film’s unsettling atmosphere, enhancing the tension and horror.
- Cultural Context: The film reflects the early 1980s’ fascination with psychological horror and the fear of mental illness leading to violence, a theme prevalent in many horror films of the era.
- Tom Savini, a renowned special effects makeup artist known for his work in the horror genre, is often associated with “Nightmares in a Damaged Brain” (also known as “Nightmare”). However, his involvement in the film is a subject of controversy and confusion.
Background of the Controversy
- Initial Claims: It was initially claimed that Tom Savini was responsible for the special makeup effects in “Nightmares in a Damaged Brain.” This claim helped market the film, as Savini was highly respected for his groundbreaking work on films like “Dawn of the Dead” (1978) and “Friday the 13th” (1980).
- Savini’s Denial: Savini has consistently denied having worked on the film. He has stated publicly on multiple occasions that he had no involvement in the special effects for “Nightmares in a Damaged Brain” except for giving some advice on how to make FX in the movie look more realistic.
Possible Explanation
- Confusion and Misattribution: The confusion may have arisen due to the use of Savini’s name as a marketing ploy to attract audiences, leveraging his reputation in the horror community. This practice was not uncommon in the exploitation cinema of the time.
- Actual Effects Artists: The actual special effects makeup artists credited for their work on the film include:
- Cleve Hall: Known for his work in special effects and makeup in various horror films and TV shows.
- Ed French: An accomplished makeup artist with a substantial career in special effects.
Impact on the Film
- Marketing Influence: The initial claim of Savini’s involvement likely boosted the film’s profile and contributed to its notoriety, especially among horror fans who admired Savini’s work.
- Legacy of Effects: Despite the controversy, the film’s special effects are often praised for their graphic and realistic quality, which played a significant role in its classification as a “video nasty” in the UK.
Overall, “Nightmares in a Damaged Brain” is a notable entry in the slasher and psychological horror genres, remembered for its intense violence, controversial history, and exploration of a disturbed mind.
