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Deliverance (1972): Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty and Ronny Cox. Directed by John Boorman, Screenplay by James Dickey, based on his novel.

Strictly more of a suspense-action film, “Deliverance”, at least to me, embodies the best of what a horror film is all about, even if the monsters in this film are really men. The film, like another suspense film where man is the monster, “Silence of the Lambs”, the words and actions of the agressors have fallen into modern parlance … “Dueling Banjos” and “squeal like a pig”. Say either, and everyone you’re talking to knows your context.

“Deliverance”, from the novel by James Dickey and under the masterful direction of John Boorman is so much more than this handful of cultural references though. The true sign of a horror classic is the taking of the mundane and everyday, turning it on it’s ear and making it a hell on Earth. “Deliverance” could happen. It doesn’t take place on some distant planet, or involve supernatural creatures that my or may not require you buying into their existence before you buy your ticket, not does the plot involve a devious serial killer, something not every one of us encounters everyday, the film is about man versus man, but ratchets that up to a nearly unbearable level which will have you sitting on the edge of your seat from the first uncomfortable encounter, through the infamous rape scene, up to the turning point, where the hunted become as brutal as their captors.

An uncomfortable film for many to watch, “Deliverance” is well worth the effort, with a top-notch cast (a treat for those who think Burt Reynolds could only do car chase movies) and direction sticking very close to the source material.

Get it at Amazon.com
Deliverance (Deluxe Edition)

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