ROX Alive: Rockin’ the movies: Shocker

This week we look at the Wes Craven horror movie Shocker

Wes Craven's 1989 film *Shocker* is a fascinating blend of horror, dark comedy, and supernatural thriller that exemplifies the eccentricity and boundary-pushing of late 1980s horror cinema. The film follows the story of Horace Pinker, a deranged television repairman and serial killer who, after being sentenced to death in the electric chair, gains the ability to possess others and travel through electricity. While *Shocker* may not be as celebrated as some of Craven's other works, like *A Nightmare on Elm Street*, it has nonetheless carved out a niche for itself among horror enthusiasts, thanks in part to its unique premise, memorable performances, and energetic soundtrack.

Plot and Cast

The narrative of *Shocker* centers around Jonathan Parker, played by Peter Berg, a college athlete who begins having disturbing dreams about a serial killer named Horace Pinker, portrayed by Mitch Pileggi. When his dreams lead to the capture of Pinker, it seems like justice has been served. However, after Pinker's execution by electric chair, he returns as a vengeful spirit with the ability to jump between bodies through electrical currents. What ensues is a cat-and-mouse game between Jonathan and Pinker, with the former trying to end Pinker's reign of terror once and for all.

Mitch Pileggi, best known for his role as FBI Assistant Director Walter Skinner on *The X-Files*, delivers a chilling performance as the sadistic Pinker. His portrayal of the character is both menacing and charismatic, giving the villain a certain dark appeal. Peter Berg, who would later become a successful director with films like *Lone Survivor* and *Friday Night Lights*, provides a solid performance as the film's protagonist, bringing a mix of vulnerability and determination to his role.

Other notable cast members include Michael Murphy as Lieutenant Don Parker, Jonathan's adoptive father and the detective who leads the investigation into Pinker, and Camille Cooper as Alison, Jonathan's girlfriend who plays a pivotal role in the battle against Pinker.

Music and Soundtrack

The soundtrack of *Shocker* is as much a part of the film's identity as its plot and characters. The film was released during a time when heavy metal music was closely associated with the horror genre, and the *Shocker* soundtrack fully embraces this trend. The album, produced by Desmond Child, features a mix of hard rock and heavy metal tracks from various artists, adding an extra layer of intensity to the film's already high-energy scenes.

The soundtrack album includes the following songs:

1. **"Shocker"** – The Dudes of Wrath

2. **"Love Transfusion"** – Iggy Pop

3. **"No More Mr. Nice Guy"** – Megadeth

4. **"Sword and Stone"** – Bonfire

5. **"Timeless Love"** – Saraya

6. **"Shockdance"** – The Dudes of Wrath

7. **"Demon Bell (The Ballad of Horace Pinker)"** – Dangerous Toys

8. **"The Awakening"** – Voodoo X

9. **"Different Breed"** – Dead On

10. **"Shocker (Reprise)"** – The Dudes of Wrath

The Dudes of Wrath, a supergroup formed specifically for the *Shocker* soundtrack, contributed the title track "Shocker" as well as the reprise of the same song. The group featured notable musicians like Paul Stanley of KISS and Desmond Child, who was also the album’s producer. Megadeth's cover of Alice Cooper's "No More Mr. Nice Guy" stands out as one of the most popular tracks on the album, lending a sense of rebellious energy that complements the film's anarchic spirit.

The music in *Shocker* works in tandem with the movie’s tone, amplifying its chaotic and frenzied atmosphere. The heavy metal tracks, with their aggressive riffs and intense energy, mirror the violent and unpredictable nature of the film's antagonist, Horace Pinker. Furthermore, the use of these songs helps to ground the film in its era, making it a quintessential piece of late-80s horror cinema.

Box Office Performance and Reception

*Shocker* was released on October 27, 1989, and, despite Wes Craven's reputation and the film's innovative premise, it was not a major box office success. The film grossed around $16.6 million domestically, which was modest considering the expectations for a Craven film following the success of *A Nightmare on Elm Street*. Critics were divided in their opinions of the movie, with some praising its campy, over-the-top style and others finding it derivative and less impactful compared to Craven's earlier work.

However, *Shocker* has since gained a cult following, particularly among fans of 1980s horror. Its blend of horror, humor, and heavy metal music has helped it endure as a beloved, if somewhat underappreciated, entry in Craven’s filmography.

Soundtrack Success and Legacy

The *Shocker* soundtrack, while not a blockbuster hit, enjoyed a degree of success, particularly among fans of the heavy metal genre. The presence of established artists like Megadeth and Iggy Pop, along with the novelty of the Dudes of Wrath supergroup, helped the album stand out. Megadeth’s "No More Mr. Nice Guy" was particularly successful, receiving significant airplay on rock radio and helping to boost the album’s profile.

Over the years, the *Shocker* soundtrack has been celebrated as a quintessential collection of 80s rock and metal. It has become a collector's item for fans of the genre and for those who appreciate the unique fusion of horror and heavy metal that was emblematic of the era.

*Shocker* remains a memorable, if unconventional, entry in Wes Craven's body of work. While it did not achieve the same level of success as some of his other films, it offers a unique blend of horror, humor, and music that has endeared it to a dedicated fanbase. The soundtrack, featuring a selection of hard-hitting rock and metal tracks, plays a significant role in defining the film's identity and enhancing its chaotic, electrifying atmosphere. Though it may not have been a major commercial success, *Shocker* has left a lasting impact on horror cinema, particularly through its inventive use of music to complement its narrative.