Horror maestro John Carpenter is turning 78 this Friday, and Screambox is celebrating with 'John Carpenter Week', including the streaming of 'Halloween Night: John Carpenter Live from Los Angeles'! But amidst the celebrations, Bloody Disgusting has taken a look back at a more obscure, yet fascinating entry in Carpenter's filmography: 'Body Bags'. This 1993 Showtime anthology film, penned by Carpenter and Tommy Lee Wallace, certainly has its flaws, but as Daniel Kurland argues, it's a project ripe with untapped potential.
A Crypt Keeper Copycat, or Something More?
'Body Bags' certainly wears its influences on its sleeve. Carpenter himself plays the role of a pun-slinging, death-obsessed coroner who introduces each segment, a clear homage to the Crypt Keeper from 'Tales from the Crypt'. While the humor might not always land, Carpenter's presence alone elevates the framing device. The three stories themselves – "The Gas Station", "Hair", and "Eye" – range from darkly comedic to genuinely unsettling, showcasing Carpenter's versatility as a storyteller. "The Gas Station", starring Robert Carradine, taps into the paranoia of working a late-night shift, while "Hair", featuring Stacy Keach, explores the desperate lengths people will go to for vanity. "Eye", starring Mark Hamill, takes a more gruesome turn, examining the psychological impact of a corneal transplant. It's a mixed bag, sure, but a consistently entertaining one.
Why 'Body Bags' Would Slay as a Series
The core argument presented by Bloody Disgusting is that 'Body Bags' would have thrived as an anthology series. And honestly, it's a compelling one. The established tone, Carpenter's on-screen presence, and the general concept of exploring different horror subgenres within a single framework could have been a winning formula. Imagine a weekly dose of Carpenter-curated horror, featuring emerging and established filmmakers, each putting their own spin on classic tropes. Think 'Masters of Horror' meets 'Tales from the Crypt', all presented by the legendary John Carpenter himself. The possibilities are endless! Given the resurgence of anthology horror series like 'Creepshow' and 'American Horror Stories', it's hard not to wonder what could have been.
A Cult Classic Worth Revisiting
Whether you see it as an underrated gem or a missed opportunity, 'Body Bags' remains a fascinating artifact from a specific era of horror filmmaking. It's a testament to Carpenter's enduring influence and a reminder that even his lesser-known works are worth exploring. So, this John Carpenter Week, while you're enjoying 'Halloween Night: John Carpenter Live', be sure to carve out some time for 'Body Bags'. You might just find yourself wishing for a whole series of darkly comedic, Carpenter-approved scares.