5 Reasons Hellraiser Is The Best Clive Barker Adaptation (& 5 It's Candyman)

Along with authors like Candyman.

Though both deviate from their literary source material, in many regards they sur the work they are based on. Which film is the best? This isn't one of the most debated topics, but it is certainly worth pondering. That said, both parties have many selling points that are worth breaking down.

Hellraiser: The Creature Effects

Yeah, just in case it wasn't obvious, there happens to be some uncomfortable imagery in these movies. Hellraiser is well known for being one of the most visceral horror films of all time, with its creature effects doing quite a lot of work in that regard.

Though the creature effects are not the main selling point of the movie, they are certainly impressive enough to mention. The only effect that's a bit wobbly is the monster that chases Kirsty when she solves the puzzle box, but on a such small budget, it is able.

Candyman: It's Themes Of Race

Now this is going to rank a little lower than most of the topics as Candyman sadly has a bit of a mixed reputation in regards to how it handles race. Though it does showcase some pretty decent commentary about the topic, it does perpetuate some rather unfortunate stereotypes regarding African-Americans, but what it does get right, it gets very right.

Though it was more elaborated on in the sequels, Candyman's tragic backstory is mentioned, which deals with him being killed by a racist mob. Also, the film deals with how lower-income areas like Cabrini-Green in Chicago, as well as their inhabitants, tend to be disregarded and labeled as problems by America's upper class.

Hellraiser: Clive Barker's Direction

Outside of Michael Cheriton and Stephen King, it's difficult to think of too many authors who have made the leap into directing movies based on their work. However, of all the examples on offer, Clive Barker is one of the more successful ones.

According to official reports, Barker was getting tired of adaptations of his work being less than profound, so he insisted that he direct the film himself. For what it's worth, Barker did a really good job as a first time director, clearly showcasing his twisted imagination through his direction.

Candyman: The Authentic Setting

At the time Candyman was made, the Cabrini-Green housing project in Chicago was a hotbed for gang-activity and crime, which made filming Candyman in the area very risky. Though they only filmed in Cabrini-Green for three days, it didn't make it any less dangerous.

In the end, however, it ended up being worth it. The urban setting helps Candyman stand out from it's contemporaries, being a perfect substitute for Liverpool, which was where the novella was set. The handling of the setting was potentially flawed, as stated before, but it helped Candyman make an impression.

Hellraiser: Its More Daring Elements

While Candyman has many daring elements itself, the ideas of sadomasochism, cosmic sexual horror, and religion are um...certainly unique to Hellraiser. If the gore in Hellraiser doesn't make you queasy, than it's uncomfortable sexual themes certainly will.

If you weren't aware that the movie has very uncomfortable themes in it, then let this be your warning. In fact, the working title of the film was reportedly Sadomasochists From Beyond The Grave. Phew...that really...rolls off the tongue doesn't it?

Candyman: Tony Todd's Performance

Candyman is easily one of the sexiest horror villains (though let's be honest, he isn't competing with much,) and Tony Todd is 100 percent responsible for that. Though Bernard Rose, the director of Candyman, apparently wanted the main antagonist to be sexually alluring, Todd's good looks and hypnotic voice really sold it.

Beyond that, Todd carries himself perfectly as the undead killer and he has an amazing screen presence. The way that Tony Todd portrayed the tragic villain made him one of the greatest horror villains of all time. After witnessing his performance, you will want to be his victim.

Hellraiser: Pinhead

If Hellraiser had to boil its everlasting legacy down to one thing, it would be Pinhead without question. The lead Cenobite's sheer visual appearance is the perfect showcase for just how messed up the movie you're watching is.

Not to mention, Doug Bradley's phenomenal performance certainly didn't hurt Pinhead's legacy. His screen presence and menacing voice truly indicated that whatever Pinhead is, it certainly isn't human. Let's just say, there is a reason why they brought Bradley back for most of the Hellraiser sequels.

Candyman: Philip Glass' Haunting Score

One thing that helped perpetuate Candyman's haunting tone is composer Phillip Glass' infamous score. Glass, an acclaimed American composer, has many well regarded film scores under his belt, including Secret Window, and of course Candyman.

The score only utilizes three musical instruments, a piano, an organ, and a choir. Though in the end, Candyman's score proves that less is more when it comes to crafting a horrifying score. Glass' score is haunting, tragic, and uncomfortable, just like the movie itself.

Hellraiser: Accuracy To The Novel

The Hellraiser movie vs. The Hellbound Heart book.

Possibly due to Clive Barker's literal direct involvement with the movie, it should come as no surprise that the movie is pretty accurate to the original story, The Hellbound Heart. With some minor alterations, the plot of the film follows the novel's narrative pretty much beat-for-beat.

There are some notable changes from the novel, such as Pinhead being a man in the movie while the character is actually a woman in the novel, and Kirsty being Rory/Larry's ex-girlfriend in the book while she is his daughter in the film. Regardless, while the movie is slightly altered from the novel, it still remains mostly faithful.

Candyman: The Franchise Knew When To Quit

Farewell To Flesh and Day Of The Dead are not the best horror sequels ever made, but they're proper cinema compared to Hellraiser's sequels. Hellraiser's aura has been brought down by it's follow-ups which are the definition of diminishing returns. Meanwhile, when the Candyman sequels starting sucking, they stopped, and waited 22 years to start again.

Thankfully, both have a second chance at being reborn. With Candyman, it's coming in the form of Nia DaCosta's entry, while for Hellraiser, it's coming in the form of the HBO series from the people behind 2018's Halloween. Still, it can't be argued that when it comes to sequels, the Candyman series bowed out at the right time.

NEXT: 5 Reasons Bela Lugosi Is The Best Dracula (& 5 It's Christopher Lee)