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The Brutal Horror of “Death Line”
Imagine you’re walking through the dimly lit subway tunnels of London, the sounds of rumbling trains and distant echoes surrounding you. Suddenly, you hear a guttural groan coming from somewhere in the darkness. You start to move faster, heart racing, knowing that something is not quite right.
That’s the feeling that “Death Line”, also known as “Raw Meat”, captures so brilliantly. This 1972 horror gem tells the story of a group of people who stumble upon a long-forgotten section of the London Underground, where a savage cannibalistic creature has been living for decades.
The Storyline
The storyline is a mix of horror and mystery, as police detective Calhoun (Donald Pleasence) investigates a series of disappearances in the subway system. His investigation leads him to uncover a horrifying secret beneath London’s streets: an underground community of people who have been trapped for generations after a cave-in cut off their access to civilization.
The few survivors have become feral over time, living only by devouring rats and any unsuspecting humans who happen to stumble into their territory. As Calhoun delves deeper into this dark world, he begins to realize that these creatures may not be as mindless as they seem.
A Classic Cast
The cast of “Death Line” is a powerhouse of British talent, including Donald Pleasence as the world-weary detective Calhoun and Christopher Lee as a high-ranking government official. The standout performance, however, comes from Hugh Armstrong as “the man”, the last surviving member of the underground community.
Armstrong’s portrayal of a desperate, primal survivor is hauntingly real, and his physical transformation throughout the film is both impressive and disturbing.
A Gritty Atmosphere
The film’s atmosphere is perhaps its strongest asset. Director Gary Sherman expertly creates an oppressive sense of dread throughout, using the claustrophobic settings to maximum effect. The dimly lit subway tunnels become a character in themselves, with long takes and slow pans that heighten the tension.
Despite its low budget, “Death Line” manages to create a convincingly gritty vision of 1970s London, complete with authentic-looking grime and graffiti-ridden stations.
The Importance of Sound
Another crucial aspect of this film’s success is its sound design. The eerie noises that emanate from the darkness are bone-chilling, whether it’s the snarls and grunts of the cannibal or the distant whine of train brakes.
The film’s score, composed by Wil Malone, is a standout in its own right, with a haunting main theme that perfectly captures the sense of hopelessness and despair that permeates the story.
A Brutal Evaluation
“Death Line” is not an easy film to watch. Its gore and violence are brutal and unflinching, and even horror fans may find themselves squirming in their seats at certain moments.
But for those who can handle it, this is an unforgettable experience. The film’s bleak worldview and harsh realism make it stand out from other horror films of its era, while its uncompromising approach to violence ensures that it remains shocking to this day.
A Cult Classic
Despite its limited success upon release, “Death Line” has developed a cult following over the years among horror aficionados. Its influence can be seen in later films like “The Descent”, which also features a group of people trapped beneath the earth.
For those looking for a raw and uncompromising horror film that doesn’t shy away from the dark side of humanity, “Death Line” is an absolute must-watch.