Jacob's Ladder

I watched Jacob’s Ladder weeks ago and loved it so much that I had to let my thoughts and interpretations marinate before writing this review. It’s unfinished but I still wanted to get this out. At this point I’m happy with my understanding of the movie but I’m not even going to attempt to organize my thoughts. This will be all over the place lol. Originally I put this movie on thinking it was directed by David Lynch due to prior assumptions, I found out while purchasing that it’s actually directed by Adrian Lyne. I haven’t started Lynch’s filmography and then he passed away the day after watching this movie, just thought I’d point out this weird coincidence, rest in peace. I’m going to start by pointing out the incredible performances because without these actors I wouldn’t have shed tears. Tim Robbins as the titular Jacob is so charming, yet conveys a sense of dread and distress that deeply unsettled me especially during certain scenes… you know… 💉 But for me, Danny Aiello as the chiropractor stole the show, his line deliveries and presence was a genuine breath of fresh air from the haunting visuals. Speaking of which DAMN this movie is scary. It’s very minimal in jumpscares (the mirror got me good) but where it shines is in its atmosphere and environment paired with the downright terrifying score. I was pleasantly shocked to find out that Jacob’s Ladder must’ve been a massive inspiration for the Silent Hill games because it shows! The head twitching demons, the heads looking at Jacob in the train as it passes by, the hospital with rust covered walls, the random metal gates and locks… this movie scares me. It took my worst fears hidden in my subconscious and exposed them into the light, forced me to be uncomfortable, to cringe and squirm, good job movie 👏 A big 10/10 for me