190. Hellraiser (1987)

About this episode

Matt and Laci discuss the film Hellraiser (1987), exploring its production history, Clive Barker's life, and the film's themes and effects.

Matt and Laci dive deep into Hellraiser (1987). Matt, a long-time fan of the movie, and Laci, a first-time viewer, discuss the film's production history and the life and philosophy of its creator, Clive Barker. They explore Barker's background, including his early work in theater, his time as a male escort, and his unique perspective on integrating explicit sexuality and body horror into his work. Two prior adaptations of his work led Barker to want to take tight control of a third adaptation, which meant he would need to direct it himself. And what an incredible feat the film is for a first-time filmmaker. 1WR tells that story, including how Barker recruited his longtime friend Doug Bradley to play the iconic role of Pinhead. Then, a long breakdown of the movie itself. How does it play for a first-time viewer? How well do its practical effects hold up? Do its themes make sense? Has any movie character ever hated their spouse as much as Julia hates Larry? And is Hellraiser as scary as we assumed it would be when we saw the VHS box in the video store as children? Is anything? Finally, Pinhead himself joins us to give some sex advice. Next week (April 24, 2026): SEX MONTH concludes…

People in this episode

Hosts: Laci Roth, Matt

Topics covered

• Hellraiser
• Clive Barker
• body horror
• film production
• practical effects

Keywords

• horror
• film analysis
• sexuality
• Pinhead

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Hellraiser

Books & works: Hellraiser, Showgirls, Pinhead, The Hellraiser Films and Their Legacy, Queer Sexuality in Clive Barker's ', Eroticising The World, Cut, All The Gory Details, Hellraiser', PodJob: A James Bond Podcast

More episodes of 1-Week Rental: A Movie Podcast

• 189. Can't Hardly Wait · April 10, 2026 · 1h 56m
• 188. Fifty Shades Of Grey · April 3, 2026 · 2h 3m
• 187. Sideways · March 27, 2026 · 2h 9m
• 186. Nothing But Trouble (1991) · March 20, 2026 · 1h 28m
• Marty Supreme | Sinners | Bugonia (Oscars Special - Part 2) · March 13, 2026 · 1h 51m
• KPop: Demon Hunters | Train Dreams | If I Had Legs I'd Kick You | Weapons | Frankenstein | One Battle After Another (2026 Oscars Special - Part 1) · March 6, 2026 · 1h 59m