One needs to see both the original 1978 movie and the 2013 version to appreciate the links between the 2 movies. The opening shot of the Franklin Institute was in fact the hospital which appeared in the 1978 version. Throughout the movie, Roget listens to the Brian May score from the 1978 movie in his earphones. Rod Mullinar (Ed in 1978) is now Morris, Roget's boss. Maria Mercedes (Nurse Panicale in 1978) is now the Doctor treating Ed's burns. Ed Jacquard is now renamed Ed Penhaligon. (Susan Penhaligon played the 1978 Kathy Jacquard). In 2013 Patrick's surname is Thompson. (Robert Thompson played the original Patrick). After Brian's hand is cut by the shattering wine glass he goes to Emergency at the Royal Helpmann Base Hospital. (Robert Helpmann played the 1976 Roget). The pace and editing in the 2013 movie is fast, tight and at times frenetic. Coupled with Donaggio's full-on score and the overall production, set and lighting design we are at all times drawn into and often confronted by the bizarre, visually explicit elements making this almost a homage to the "grande guignol". A delightfully fun movie, particularly for those familiar with Antony Ginnane's original treatment of the work.
Review of Patrick: Evil Awakens
