Key Takeaways:
– ‘Link,' a lesser-known but intriguing horror movie starring Elisabeth Shue deserves wider recognition.
– Australian filmmaker Richard Franklin perfectly illustrates the chilling suspense of a dangerous ape in isolation.
– Despite challenges and changes during production, ‘Link' stands out as a cinematic thriller worth revisiting.
How many of you reading this remember an odd-ball horror movie from the mid-'80s going by the name ‘Link'? The odds are, very few. Despite having a seasoned actress like Elisabeth Shue as its lead, this movie tends to be forgotten in comparison to Shue's more famous roles like ‘The Karate Kid' or ‘Leaving Las Vegas.'
Spotlight on ‘Link'
‘Link' narrates the spine-chilling tale of an American zoology student, Jane Chase (played by Shue), working in an isolated house with a devious ape. Skeletons start falling out of the closet when Link, the 45-year-old ‘chimp' (he is an orangutan really), commits murder to protect himself. The already eerie settings become increasingly ominous as Jane struggles to escape from the locked-down house with the lethal Link lurking nearby.
The movie has been skillfully directed by Richard Franklin, who was known for his penchant for Hitchcockian thrillers. Franklin started his career in the 70s and was influenced by greats like Alfred Hitchcock and Jane Goodall, who gave him insights into the primal instincts of chimpanzees.
In ‘Link', Franklin's touch is evident in the slow burn suspense that builds up to an explosive climax. The isolation of the setting, coupled with the terror of a potent killer ape, is handled with remarkable deftness.
Behind the Scenes
The film had quite a journey before it hit the screens. Initially scheduled to be filmed in Australia in 1981, Franklin got distracted by the opportunity to direct the sequel to the Hitchcock masterpiece ‘Psycho.' Only after the release of ‘Psycho II' and its disappointing follow-up, ‘Cloak and Dagger,' did ‘Link' regain Franklin's attention. Despite the hiccup, the filming process with the trained apes went smoother than anticipated.
Critical Reception and Impact
Unfortunately, upon release in 1986, the reception to ‘Link' was not overwhelming. The movie garnered a cult following via video and cable reruns, but it never quite made the impact it aimed for. Its box office gross was a measly two million dollars, a far cry from its budget of six million. Despite the lukewarm reception, ‘Link' remains a well-crafted thriller with an incredible performance by Locke, the ape actor.
A Gem Redeux
Over the years, ‘Link' has grown into a hidden jewel of the horror genre. Franklin's crafty suspense building and Shue's convincing portrayal of a woman in peril make ‘Link' a movie that horror enthusiasts should definitely revisit. Since its failed theatrical release, the film has gotten a revival. An extended cut of the movie, adding an extra 22 minutes to the runtime, was released in France in 2021.
In conclusion, ‘Link' is a film that showcases Franklin's talent for suspense and Shue's compelling screen presence. While it may not have received the recognition it deserved on its original release, subsequent years have proven ‘Link' to be a classic in its own right.
So, for any fans of horror or admirers of Franklin's mastery, I entirely recommend paying a visit to that isolated home on the English coast to witness Link's terrifying antics. Trust me, it's worth the watch.
