The Crow

A Gothic Masterpiece of Revenge

The Crow | Directed by Alex Proyas | 1994 | ​1hr 42m

by ​Dylan Vansenus

Taking place in a crime-ridden city subject to an eternal downpour of rain, The Crow (1994) tells the tragic story of Eric Draven (Brandon Lee), who is murdered alongside his fiancée days before their wedding. One year later, he is brought back to life by a mysterious crow, gaining supernatural abilities that make him invulnerable. This sets him on a path of revenge—to track down the very same gang that killed him and his fiancée. The events that follow are an emotionally charged journey of vengeance, justice, and love transcending life.

Brandon Lee gives an incredible performance that mixes sorrow, rage, and dark humor, making Eric stand out as more than just a revenge-obsessed anti-hero. Every moment he has on-screen holds weight, as there is sadness behind his rage, which is reflected in his performance. Brandon Lee tragically passed away in an accident on set, making his presence even more impactful, adding another layer of emotion to a performance that could have projected his career to that of a Hollywood superstar. As the film's big bad, Michael Wincott brings a level of slyness, ruthlessness, and unsettling swagger to his performance, while Ernie Hudson as the Sergeant, provides contrast to the city's gloomy aesthetic by adding humanity and warmth.

If you asked me to describe The Crow (1994) in one word, it would be “aesthetic.” The film looks like a mix between a nightmare, a music video, and a comic book. The city is always dark and rainy, making it feel surreal and almost dreamlike. Director Alex Proyas perfects the gothic aesthetic, with cinematography reminiscent of German expressionism and classic film noir.

On the surface, The Crow (1994) may seem like just a revenge thriller, but it conveys deeper themes of love, redemption, and grief. The crow itself is not just a supernatural bird but a symbol of the idea that true love transcends death. To me, the tragic harlequin face paint Eric wears reflects the duality of his existence. The black eyes that look like tears represent his sorrow and grief from his past, while his forced black smile may show his madness for revenge. This results in a look that personifies both motivations that define his character.

As for the film's action sequences, they are both brutal and stylish. The cinematography techniques make Eric's supernatural abilities come to life, making him move like a ghost. One particular moment that stands out to me is when, in an ethereal-like sequence, Eric jumps off a building to test his invulnerability that is beautifully captured in slow motion as he hits the ground laughing. Every fight scene looks theatrical in the way it resembles a dance. His movements, combined with his poetic dialogue, give the fight scenes a unique, almost operatic quality.

An essential aspect of this film is the soundtrack, featuring bands such as The Cure, Stone Temple Pilots, Rage Against the Machine, and Nine Inch Nails. It not only made the film memorable for me but perfectly encapsulated its grungy tone and deepened its emotional impact.

Overall, my favourite film, The Crow (1994), remains a beloved cult classic, remembered for its stunning visuals, emotional depth, and the tragic loss of Brandon Lee. The film’s legacy would later influence movies like Blade (1998) and contribute to the rise of goth culture.

References:
● Cotroneo, V. (2022, December 20). How The Crow won over a generation of Goths. MovieWeb. https://movieweb.com/the-crow-scary-storyline-goths/
● Stevens, T. (2019, May 18). 25 years later, The Crow remains an undeniable result & reflection of 1994. The Spool. https://thespool.net/features/the-crow/
● Gonzalez, A. (2020, May 5). The Crow's chart-topping soundtrack was just as influential as the movie itself. The A.V. Club. https://www.avclub.com/the-crows-chart-topping-soundtrack-was-just-as-influent-1851501278