George A. Romero´s "Martin" is probably one of the most intelligent horror films I´ve ever seen! It uses elements from serial killer movies, psycho dramas and vampire thrillers and mixes them to a unique combination. Okay, people who think in clichés and stereotypes should be warned, because the film doesn´t deliver the adrenalizing action of "Dawn of the Dead" or the gore galore of its sequel "Day of the Dead": "Martin" may be even a little bit slow-paced at times, but that´s because Romero doesn´t concentrate on superficial action here, he´s more interested in developing the soulish depths of his main figure. And the sinister black/white-flashbacks, where you can see explicit actions of Catholic exorcism add some real bizarre impression to the sad mood of Romero´s masterpiece. Main actor John Amplas is brilliant in playing the young disturbed man and it´s not understandable to me why he never reached the status of a cult star or got more roles in other films..? But also the movie itself gets less praise and attention than it actually deserves! An underrated masterpiece if you ask me!!!
Review of Martin
