Clownhouse

This is a movie I saw when I was a kid; on late night HBO. It's an effective horror movie, although extremely simple. Per my previous post, I'm going through my old VHS recorded fare and transferring any notable pieces to DVD. Today's list includes the howlers Gymkata, Slaughter High and of course, Clownhouse. To my knowledge, none of these are available on DVD, and I've yet to run across any used VHS copies. I'm sure that I could check on EBAY and get them with no problem, but I've yet to take the time to do so. Well, I just finished transferring Clownhouse, so I got on the computer to read some reviews and background. Come to find out that Clownhouse's director; Victor Salva, was the same director for Powder. The director that apparently was convicted of molesting a child on one of his films. I never followed the details of this case more than in passing, and I assumed that he had molested a child on the set of Powder. Now I know that it was the youngest kid from Clownhouse. It's been a long time since I watched this film, and even viewing it this morning, I found some of the images of the kids a little weird. They walk around in their underwear, and there's even a bare butt shot of the youngest. I found it odd, but didn't really give a second thought. How bizarre that a little over an hour later, it would all take on a more sinister, sick connotation. Strange. One of the reviews said that many people now have problems with the movie, even though it works quite well as a scare-fest. I now look at it a very different way as well. The reviewer also mentioned Roman Polanski, and how, maybe, their personal life and artistic triumphs should be kept separate. Of course, that's easier said then done, especially with such images as appear in Clownhouse. Of note; the film has a young Sam Rockwell as the bully oldest brother ; I believe his first film. It's got some great scares, and on top of that, nasty clowns (of course). I have this listed in my favorite films; as a diamond movie. Something you've never heard of, but should take a chance on. I guess you should consider this whole fiasco before watching. I feel a little weird recommending it now, but it will remain on my site.

In my search for Clownhouse info, I found that it was released on DVD by MGM, but possibly pulled cuz of the scandal.