MELTING MAN

Melting Man is a captivating horror movie that combines elements of science fiction and horror to create an intensely suspenseful, chilling, and unforgettable film experience. Directed by William Sachs, it features an outstanding performance by Alex Rebar in the lead role and an incredibly realistic portrayal of fear and horror by Burr DeBenning.

At the core of Melting Man is a terrifying, transformative accident that plunges a brave yet unfortunate astronaut, Steve West (played by Alex Rebar), into an unimaginable nightmare. Following a space mission to Saturn, an unexpected radiation outbreak causes a bewildering, ghastly change. On his return to Earth, Steve gradually begins to melt, which not only scares him but also poses a gruesome threat to the people around him.

As the melting process progresses, Steve quickly becomes a grotesque figure, a shadow of his former self, characterized by a melting face and dripping flesh that is powerfully represented with the high-quality graphics and special effects of the time. He turns into a monstrous being, prowling the suburban landscapes, terrifying unsuspecting victims, leading to a series of hideously gruesome occurrences that ripple across his community.

The movie intelligently places the renowned NASA scientist Dr. Ted Nelson (played by Burr DeBenning) to mitigate this nightmare. But the task at hand is daunting. Nelson is faced with the grotesque and horrifying task of stopping his friend and former colleague, who's transforming into a monstrous, melting beast, while at the same time dealing with a demanding military eager for results and answers.

While much of the movie revolves around the struggles of Dr. Nelson, the film also dwells on the emotional turmoil and psychological torment faced by Steve. This is seen as an exploration of a man trapped within a grotesque exterior that he has no control over, adding a layer of poignant emotional depth to this otherwise morbidly horrifying tale.

To its credit, Melting Man does an exceptional job at maintaining a tense atmosphere throughout. With Ridley Scott's brilliant cinematographic skills and Rick Baker's makeup wizardry, the movie leverages visual and auditory cues to maintain a consistent feeling of dread, and suspense. From the quiet, eerie stillness of the night, the sense of dread is palpable every time the melting man appears onscreen.

The sound design, editing, visual effects, and use of locations all augment the horror element of the storyline, bringing in a sense of realism to an otherwise extreme premise. The makeup effects were brilliantly designed and applied by young special effects maven Rick Baker, who would later become one of the best in the industry, making Steve's transformation into a melting man visually shocking and convincingly horrifying.

Rebar and DeBenning both deliver stellar performances, portraying their characters with passion, desperation, and, on occasions, commendable restraint. Rebar's character, in particular, is mastered with such capability that it's almost impossible not to sympathize with him, even when his actions are horrifying.

Though a representative of the 1970s horror genre, Melting Man goes beyond regular scare tactics, inserting an element of poignant tragedy into its primary narrative. Through its unique storyline and conscientious execution, the movie proves itself to be more than just a classic fright film, resonating even with audiences who aren't particular fans of horror. It's a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, shrouded in the grotesque cloak of a horror movie.

In conclusion, Melting Man is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys suspense and horror, coupled with a powerful and compelling narrative. The performances, combined with vividly chilling makeup/visual effects, build up a gut-wrenching, suspenseful movie experience that's bound to keep you on edge from start to finish.