Deranged

Deranged is a disturbing yet incredibly fascinating American horror film from 1974 that spins a noticeably dark presence around the psyche of its eerily unique character and relies on real events to shape its own narrative. Directors Jeff Gillen and Alan Ormsby, successfully manage to merge Canada's rural landscapes with some controversially dramatic moments and a score that keeps your nerves on edge.

The movie features the proficient actor Roberts Blossom, who gives a remarkably unsettling performance as the lead character, Ezra Cobb. Blossom's portrayal of an increasingly unstable, perturbed individual makes Ezra remarkably memorable. If you're familiar with his previous roles, this particularly perverse character will seem intriguing. Despite the eccentric and slow-witted persona of Ezra, Blossom instills a certain level of charisma that keeps us engaged yet horrified, reinforcing the chilling undertones of the film.

Playing a hefty supportive role, Cosette Lee shines as Ezra's domineering, extremist mother, Amanda Cobb. Her performance significantly impacts the storyline, molding Ezra's perceptions, his interactions with society, and his disturbing behavior. She successfully portrays a smothering and manipulative mother while shedding light on the extent religious fanaticism can distort the psyche of individuals, especially those who are isolated and extremely impressionable.

Leslie Carlson, another sterling actor in the industry, plays Harlon Kootz, adding layers to the dense plot with his disquieting presence. His quirky character and peculiar dialogues help exacerbate the existing creepiness and claustrophobia that envelopes Ezra's world. Just like the other characters in the story, Harlon too masks his darker instincts underneath a seemingly benign exterior.

The plot of Deranged orbits around the degenerating mental health of Ezra who, after the death of his mother, descends into a dark well of loneliness, psychosis, and murderous inclinations. The narrative, free from excess gore and scream-inducing horror, focuses on chilling psychological terror and the eerie atmosphere of the characters' rural locality. The discomfort and fear mainly stem from Ezra's disturbing behavior and the unpleasantly surprising events surrounding him. However, it's vital to understand that Deranged is not conventional when it comes to a horror showcase. It's more invasive and psychological than it's visceral, making the viewers feel just as uneasy with what could be happening off-screen as they are with what’s taking place right in front of their eyes.

The film encourages audiences to grapple with the seemingly ordinary elements of a rural country life, that quickly become intensely nightmarish. Critics often compare the film to a dank, disturbing journey into the abyss of a deranged mind, an exploration of the horrors of isolation, an unhealthy attachment to loved ones, and the overwhelming influence of religious fanaticism.

The true horror of Deranged emerges from the unnerving displays of necromancy and the way Ezra communicates with the dead. Crucially, despite its disturbing plotline, Deranged also includes unexpected moments of dark humor that add to its unique character. Throughout its run, the film leans into the shock factor while also maintaining an eerie, almost absurd sense of humor, which often results in an absolute churning of boundaries between satire, exploitation, and hardcore cannon of horror.

One cannot miss the impactful horror cinematography that gives an extra edge to the film, with the camera work creating an immersive experience. As it frequently alternates between Ezra's eerie world and the innocent rural landscape, it makes the audience a part of the narrative, realizing the omnipresence of horror in their surroundings, only if they choose to see.

In crafting Deranged, directors Gillen and Ormsby assemble all these elements to fabricate a symbol of cult horror cinema. This film serves as a disturbingly entertaining installment in the genre, offering an unnerving plunge into the depths of human psyche, madness, and obsession. Although it’s a deep-cut even amongst horror enthusiasts, Deranged remains a compelling watch for audiences looking for an unusual horror experience. For lovers of the horror genre and psychological thrillers, this film certainly makes for an incredible deep-dive into the darker recesses of the human mind.