Flatliners - 1990

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Stonebridge Entertainment

Directed by Joel Schumacher

Cast:

• Nelson – Kiefer Sutherland
• David Labraccio – Kevin Bacon
• Rachael Mannus – Julia Roberts
• Joe Hurley – William Baldwin
• Randy Steckle – Oliver Platt
• Winnie Hicks – Kimberly Scott
• Billy Mahoney – Joshua Rudoy
• Anne Coldren – Hope Davis

Story: Five medical students are searching for proof of something beyond death. Nelson, the experiment's innovator and the leader of the five, has devised a plan to kill himself, temporarily, and be revived after a minute and a half of documented death. His classmates will then revive him and he can relate what happened. The experiment goes as planned, but there is one unforeseen complication. He brings his past sin with him. One by one, the students undergo the same experience, but they stay dead longer each time, and each of them brings something back with them. Each person finds the resolution in confronting the past, and each with terrifying results.

Review: Every time I think about this film, I have this flashback of Wednesday Addams about to electrocute Pugsly while playing a game called “Is there a God?” The premise of the film is that one could view the afterlife and come back with the ability to report on their findings. The idea that a medical school would admit or retain anyone who had these tendencies, let alone allow a sizable amount of expensive equipment to go unaccounted for, is ridiculous. Given that, I have to say the film has merit, but it is certainly not the merit of a sound plot. The acting, however, is superb, and every cast member should be applauded for their ability to rise to the occasion in this somewhat palatable “horror” film. Kiefer's ability to maintain his character's persona is exceptional, breaking at just the right moment in the film. Julia Roberts certainly gives us a performance rivaling her work in previous films, as well as adding an interesting perspective to the idea of guilt and redemption. Kevin Bacon is the glue than binds this band together, with his ability to maintain the focus of the five on the problems they are facing. Oliver Platt provides an interesting sort of comic relief, and William Baldwin brings his boyish demeanor into play with his particular sin, although you have to wonder how that character ever got into medical school. The sets really give us the “horror” feeling, and you have to give Joel Schumacher his props for his camera angles and framing of the these spooky rooms and buildings. Rated R for violence, sexual references and scenes, and language, definitely not one for the younger set. Wouldn't want to give anyone ideas.