Serial killers have been a part of the horror and thriller genres since the birth of motion pictures. Repulsive and terrifying but strangely fascinating and at times incredibly captivating characters. From masked slashers to the sophistication and charm of Hannibal – They are PERFECT creatures to build movies around.
The Cell (directed by Tarsem Singh), attempted to take viewers closer to a serial killer than ever before by actually entering his mind and giving it form and structure. Tarsem had built a strong reputation in the music video industry and anticipation was high that he could create a unique vision and movie experience. I’ve always personally loved and admired the end result – not just visually but as a complete package. I know some people weren’t as thrilled with how it turned out, but for multiple reasons it has remained a huge favorite of mine in the years since release.
It’s at about the 30 minute mark that The Cell gets really dark, as Dr. Catherine Deane (Jennifer Lopez), enters the twisted mind of torturer and murderer Carl Rudolph Stargher (Vincent D’Onofrio), in an attempt to ascertain the location of one final kidnap victim who has only hours to live before she is drowned within a perspex prison. Deane is totally unprepared for what awaits her – a world ruled by the violent and aggressive portion of Stargher’s psyche, in the form of a demonic king. She also has fleeting encounters with a youthful, innocent side, represented by Stargher as a child, but this realm is unquestionably shaped by evil from top to bottom. Director Tarsem makes sure it is a sight you will never forget, culminating in the appearance of Stargher’s past victims, stored within his mind as mutilated and bleached ‘dolls’ displayed like trophies.
It’s a disturbing scene, but Tarsem makes it impossible to look away thanks to the genuinely incredible visual artistry happening on the screen, and this work isn’t limited to the sets and inanimate objects. The actresses playing the victims all became haunting works of art as well, thanks to some skilled make-up effects, with one lady in particular standing out. A brief cameo that allowed Tarsem to also display a unique human body, within all of the metallic and industrial set design.
Strength, beauty and intimidating power was required to portray the image of this past victim – used as a subconscious enforcer to unleash upon any intruders into Stargher’s private hellish world. Tarsem needed larger than life, so who better than a four time Ms. Olympia winner, and one of the most successful female bodybuilders in history – Kim Chizevsky-Nicholls.