The Lords of Salem (2012)

            Although Rob Zombie is most recognized for his horror-inspired music, the rocker has occasionally dappled in bringing his creative touch to film. Apart from his animated feature The Haunted World of El Superbeasto, Zombie's films have generally featured deranged sadists and psychopaths hell-bent on shedding blood. However, his latest effort The Lords of Salem breaks that trend and instead focuses on a more supernatural affair.

            Set in present day Massachusetts, Zombie's latest follows local radio DJ Heidi who, after receiving an untitled recording from 'The Lords,' begins experiencing bizarre hallucinations related to the town's dark past. It's an interesting premise, but it falls somewhat flat as there really isn't any great build-up to the film's unexpected finale. The premise also suffers from a lack of any interesting witch-related items such as the hand of glory. Still, it's great to see Zombie taking risks and stepping outside of the slasher sub-genre and into the occult.

            In regards to the acting, the cast does an adequate job of bringing believability to the story and dialogue. Meg Foster, Judy Geeson, Patricia Quinn, and Dee Wallace all do excellent as the town's resident witches. Sherri Moon Zombie carries the mantle of protagonist this time but, while it's cool see her in a more of a leading roll, she never really has anything interesting to say to do apart from her hallucinations. Opposite the female cast is Jeffery Daniel Phillips and Bruce Davison who play Heidi's fellow DJ and local historian respectively. Both actors do a good job in making their characters likable as well as genuine in their concern for Heidi's deteriorating mental health. In fact, I was more concerned for their well being than I was for Heidi's.

            Undoubtedly one of the greatest strengths of The Lords is its presentation. In general the film has a drained and dreary look with low soft light throughout, appropriate considering the dark mood and direction of the story. This look is complimented by the haunting soundtrack by the excellent John 5 and Griffin Boice. As for shots and coverage, the film is somewhat evocative of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining as they both feature wide shots of grandiose interiors as well as slow tracking shots down long, empty hallways. Yet, it is the bizarre imagery the flashback and hallucinatory dream sequences employed in the film that really makes The Lords stand out. Without spoiling anything, the images in the film are provocative to say the least.

            While the story for The Lords ultimately leaves something to be desired, the film still manages to excel thanks to some trippy and disturbing visuals that help to establish the film as being one of Zombie's most memorable cinematic pieces.