Hellraiser
Hellraiser is a 1987 British supernatural horror film written and directed by Clive Barker, and produced by Christopher Figg, based on Barker's 1986 novella The Hellbound Heart. The film marked Barker's directorial debut. Its plot involves a mystical puzzle box that summons the Cenobites, a group of extra-dimensional, sadomasochistic beings who cannot differentiate between pain and pleasure. The leader of the Cenobites is portrayed by Doug Bradley, and identified in the sequels as "Pinhead".
Hellraiser | |
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Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Clive Barker |
Screenplay by | Clive Barker |
Based on | The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker |
Produced by | Christopher Figg |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Robin Vidgeon |
Edited by | Richard Marden |
Music by | Christopher Young |
Production company | Film Futures |
Distributed by | Entertainment Film Distributors |
Release date |
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Running time | 93 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Budget | $1 million |
Box office | $14.6 million |
Hellraiser was filmed in late 1986. Barker originally wanted the electronic music group Coil to perform the music for the film, but on insistence from producers, the film was re-scored by Christopher Young. Some of Coil's themes were reworked by Young into the final score. Hellraiser had its first public showing at the Prince Charles Cinema on 10 September 1987. The film grossed $14.6 million.
Since its release, the film has divided critics but generally received praise. It was followed by nine sequels, the first seven of which featured Bradley reprising his role as Pinhead. A franchise reboot, also titled Hellraiser, was released in 2022.