Directed by Jeff Burr
A review by Mario Dominick
Director Jeff Burr has been a respected contributor to the horror genre ever since the late ’80s starting with his anthology film From a Whisper to a Scream (originally released as The Offspring and featuring an all-star cast headed up by Vincent Price) and Stepfather 2. He would go on to give the genre the third entry in the legendary Texas Chainsaw Massacre series and on occasion some non-horror efforts like the Duane Whitaker vehicle Eddie Presley. With Whisper to a Scream and Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3 being among my favorite horror efforts of his, I recently had the pleasure of viewing one of Burr’s more recent efforts. While it may not be a “horror” film in the traditional sense, Straight Into Darkness is a very powerful and intense drama that incorporates real life horror into its storyline.
Set during World War II in Western Europe, circa 1945, a couple American soldiers, Losey and Deming (Ryan Francis and Scott MacDonald), abandon their platoon. While fighting to survive, they come across a band of orphans and their guardians (played by David Warner and Linda Thorson). This group of orphans has been extensively trained and developed a soldier’s survival skills. Losey and Deming join together with the orphans and their guardians as they use an abandon house to hide from Nazis who are hunting them down. The group fights back in an incredible, heart-racing battle that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Straight Into Darkness is arguably Jeff Burr’s best film to date! It’s a superbly-crafted and well-acted crossbreeding of a war drama and horror film. The cast (including David Warner, Scott MacDonald, James LeGros, Daniel Roebuck, and Linda Thorson) is excellent, the effects and stunt work are brilliant, and the film has its share of violent and bloody moments to keep gore fans entertained, even though gore isn’t the main focus here.
Combat Shock and Life is Hot in Cracktown director Buddy Giovinazzo worked as a second unit director on the film. Having Giovinazzo’s involvement in a film like this is especially appropriate, as he’s a director who really got to the heart of the most horrific and traumatizing aspects of war in Combat Shock, which is arguably the best movie ever released by Troma.
Straight Into Darkness is available on DVD from Screen Media Home Entertainment. The DVD contains extras such as a director’s commentary, short film, outtakes, and more. For those looking for something different from a director known primarily for horror, I cannot recommend Straight Into Darkness enough.
