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I grew up in the borderlands of Detroit, not far from where filmmaker Sam Raimi did. For much of my childhood, but especially my early adulthood — that stretch between 15 and 25 — he was a guiding light for me. This Michigan kid had made it in Hollywood. Hollywood! His very existence meant the same could happen to a working-class Midwest kid like me if I worked as hard. His influence was so monumental that I’ve even made references to him in a new fiction project I’m working on. Here’s a peek:
“Swear it on Sam Raimi’s life, you assholes,” Mikey had demanded a few weeks later. I’d forgotten all about this, but the memory returns to me like a hand pressing firmly against my back. “The truest, most realest oath you could ever make.”
In short: I am a fan of Sam Raimi. As he turned 65 on Oct. 23rd, I thought I’d use his most recent turn around the Sun as an excuse to discuss his work with you. Which brings me to this week’s question:
What do you think of when you see this title card pop up?
I’m going to answer with a GIF this time around. I watched this film at least 25 times while I was in high school, but quite possibly more than fifty.
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I think I’ve only seen The Evil Dead once - I’m not a fan of those films - but the thing that springs to mind is the evil hand which I think is from the second one? I don’t even know if I’ve seen the scene but my husband has referenced it more than once.
I saw Evil Dead II in the theaters in 1987. I was 16. Raimi was a gift to the imagination. A lot of POV shots that weren’t common in film at the time. And breakneck editing that forced you to pay attention. Trauma and emotion with a black comical spin, taking you through years of tragedy within a handful of edits and minutes. Darkman was one example— one of my favorites… and Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand before most knew who they were.
The EVIL DEAD films and early Raimi in general are so great because nobody had told this dumb kid what could and couldn't be done. He just went out and found a way to do what was in his head, and created his own style doing it. Youth does have some advantages.
I have always taken great delight in knowing that Sheila is the name of the leading lady in “Army of Darkness”. “If Chins Could Kill” by Bruce Campbell is an awesome read.
The campy eroticism of Xena:Warrior Princess.
I'm so glad you mentioned this.
The Spider man kiss =)
Absolutely. Iconic.
I think I’ve only seen The Evil Dead once - I’m not a fan of those films - but the thing that springs to mind is the evil hand which I think is from the second one? I don’t even know if I’ve seen the scene but my husband has referenced it more than once.
They're such fun films. Have you seen ARMY OF DARKNESS? It takes the evolving camp of the first two to a whole new level.
No, I haven’t. Maybe I need to revisit the series.
I saw Evil Dead II in the theaters in 1987. I was 16. Raimi was a gift to the imagination. A lot of POV shots that weren’t common in film at the time. And breakneck editing that forced you to pay attention. Trauma and emotion with a black comical spin, taking you through years of tragedy within a handful of edits and minutes. Darkman was one example— one of my favorites… and Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand before most knew who they were.
The EVIL DEAD films and early Raimi in general are so great because nobody had told this dumb kid what could and couldn't be done. He just went out and found a way to do what was in his head, and created his own style doing it. Youth does have some advantages.
Seriously… it’s amazing what you can do when you don’t know, you can’t do it.
Groovy
Give me some sugar baby.
His playful interviews early on in his career. https://youtu.be/zV6DktZHxWY?si=wm3RpvWFiF9LgYi2
This is fun!
Like you, I think of indie film kid done well. And that Evil Dead shaky cam!
I grew up in Detroit and then burbs. You? When I hear the name I think of his family’s drapery store!
Same. I didn't know about the drapery store, though. Was that in Royal Oak?
I have always taken great delight in knowing that Sheila is the name of the leading lady in “Army of Darkness”. “If Chins Could Kill” by Bruce Campbell is an awesome read.
Love Sam Raimi.
So many talented writers and directors surfaced from Detroit! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful talent as Sam Raimi. 👏👏