Carpenter (1988)

Very well executed

Masterful Movie

i know i wasted 90 mins of my life.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

From producer Jack Bravman, a man who worked on such films as "Snuff" and "Zombie Nightmare", comes this goofy but fun horror movie, pretty much the working definition of the word offbeat. Written by Doug Taylor and directed by David Wellington, "The Carpenter" tells the story of poor Alice (Lynne Adams), a woman with an uncaring and unfaithful husband, Martin (Pierre Lenoir), who has a nervous breakdown, and after getting out of the hospital, moves with hubby into a country estate being renovated. She finds that every night after every other worker has gone home, a mysterious carpenter (Wings Hauser) continues to toil away, because after all, a job's not done until it's done. Words to live by. Anyway, she finds herself enticed by this guy, to the point where she looks forward to seeing him all the time. "The Carpenter" is an amusing Canuck horror flick that this viewer wouldn't really consider a slasher, and would concede may not have enough action, gore, or kills for some tastes. And, truthfully, it's a little disappointing that there isn't more gore when The Carpenter is busy eliminating any unpleasant person on the premises using his assorted implements (nail gun, power drill, etc.). But, in the end, what I like about this is how crazy it is as it goes for a more psychological approach. What is The Carpenter to Alice - an angel or a devil? Some moments in this movie are so silly, and so hilarious, it's hard to believe Bravman and company didn't have their tongues in their cheeks, at least to some degree, and it's just too entertaining to see Hauser and Adams indulge in some fairly serious conversations, as Wings waxes poetic on the nature of masculinity and the problem that arises when men get too far removed from good, honest, hard physical labour. Men have to take PRIDE in what they do, damn it! Wings fans can note that he's in fine form, as he plays a somewhat familiar and somewhat unfamiliar character, as he's often stern, sadistic, creepy, likable, and charming all at the same time, as he imparts upon others his own sense of morality. Adams, Lenoir and the other actors are just okay at best; they certainly pale in comparison to the dynamic star of this thing. Ron Lea, however, is a hoot as the jovial local sheriff who provides exposition in a manner that's anything but boring. Filmed at various Quebec locations, "The Carpenter" may eventually end up with a rather conventional finish, but until then it's pretty engaging - and, I dare say, under-rated - stuff. Seven out of 10.

I'm not rating this film so high because of it's great production values, it's haunting score, its vivid cinematography, it's stand-out performances by Wings Hauser or Lynne Adams. Because frankly, it has NONE of those things.What this film DOES have going for it is that it actually one of the highlights of American b grade horror productions that were filmed in Canada in the 80's. If you're a fan of the genre, the basic theme of the movie followed the 'title' with surprising finesse considering the budget they had to work with. Yes, "The Carpenter" did away with most of the cast using power tools, (Surprise!) some of which were disturbingly original. In a couple of cases even gruesome. My personal favorite was watching the character of Barns (played by Robert Austern) having part of his head and face sanded off.I doubt you'll ever find this in the DVD Horror section as it has never been transfered to that medium. But if you should happen across a copy in the old five dollar VHS bin at your local video store, it is indeed very entertaining.

* POSSIBLE SPOILERS*Not very bloody and better than I anticipated, this movie to me seems more psychological than your typical "slasher" flick. Wings Hauser gives another wacko performance as the ghost of a serial killer that helps a woman whose husband is cheating on her. But then he goes too far.........A big thumbs up!!

This movie is a classic horror movie in Norway. It's intensely scary yet sensitive. With the ever so talented Wing Hauser as the crazed carpenter, though it's special effects are rather outdated. But it's complex plot and intensely scary music more than makes up for it.They just don't make them like this anymore. An instant classic.10 out of 10. BRAVO