Shortly before I began this horror review project, I learned
that a few of Clive Barker’s short stories had been turned into movies in
recent years. I was only aware of the final installments of the “Hellraiser”
series so I was of course quite excited. “The Midnight Meat Train” is such an
example, a film from 2008 that was adapted from the story of the same title. I
had not read that story so I had no idea what to expect while watching this
tonight. I can now say that this is a wonderful discovery and a great horror
movie all around; plenty of gore and cheesy special effects that don’t distract
too much, awesome casting (Bradley Cooper and Vinnie Jones), Clive Barker as a
producer, and a Japanese director who has a Godzilla credit on his resume!
Leon is a photographer trying to make his way into the art
scene. His girlfriend Maya pulls some strings and sets him up for an interview
with a prestigious gallery owner. At the interview, he’s asked what it is that
he that he’s trying to show in his photos; he explains that his art is to
capture the essence of the city. Leon is told to come back once he has
something that “really” shows the nature of the city. That night, Leon goes out
and takes pictures of a gang harassing a model as she’s waiting for a subway.
They leave once Leon points out the security camera that he’s standing next to
and stays until the model gets on her train… to only never be seen again. It
turns out that there is a killer who rides the subway late at night, and once
the train is nearly empty, he goes about killing the riders with a large metal
mallet hammer.
Leon makes the connection that the model’s disappearance and
the killer (Leon saw a ring the killer’s hand) and follows him to a meat
packing factory. Leon begins stalking the killer, known as Mahogany, and one
day takes a few pictures of him at the plant. Mahogany notices and the two play
a game of cat and mouse among a store room full of hanging sides of beef, as
Mahogany gives chase with a meat hook in his hand. Leon gets away and is later
able to get on the subway without having Mahogany notice. As the train is going
along its course, which at this time of night it leaves its actual standard
route, Leon watches as Mahogany ruthlessly kills two passengers and begins to
remove their teeth and eyes, shave their hair, and neatly pack up their
clothing in plastic bags. The meaning behind it all is unique and an excellent
example of early Clive Barker.
Favorite moment – The fight scene between Leon and Mahogany
on the subway.
Second favorite moment – The guest appearance of Ted Raimi.
It’s short and to the point.
