BARKER'S BOXES The perceptual doors of HELLRAISER (film analysis by Rob Ager)

[@bensamuels4976]

Lovecraftian lore often refers to "gambrel roofs" which is the architecture of the box-like house that you reference.

[@Enerki]

I recently read the novel. Good read. To me it's also a story about how couples lie to each other just to get along and not be alone. Also about the pain of craving.

[@SamuelBlack84]

In our desperate quest to escape loneliness, we lie and make sacrifices to make the problems of companionship bearable Yet no matter what we achieve in life, we always want more We're condemned to endlessly crave more than what we have, aren't we?

[@MaryAnneRosato]

The house as a gateway-doors of perception. ❤

[@Maggerama]

Ah, Rob doing horror classics. These two phenomenons go together like nothing else.

[@lightspeedlegato]

Thank you for helping others see the complexities of this film and novel.

[@userk4175]

Watched it as a kid and, of all horrors, this one left me most disturbed, in a fantastical way, but still. Now, a classic!

[@itsoktobewhite4278]

Something rather crude occurs to me- a somewhat outdated slang term for a woman's vagina used to be "box," so Chrissy is playing with her "box" in the hospital scene, and the vagina has obviously been symbolized by blooming flowers, and the vagina is the gateway to sexual awareness and the pains involved with things like childbirth and pregnancy, heartbreak, and of course, S&M.

[@H2x2x2]

Love your take on this. Such deep analysis. Such food for thought. Will change my enjoyment/digestion of future films for the better, Thank you man.

[@MikeDaW101]

I'm high enough rn to not only love, but truly appreciate your work Rob.

[@WarlockX4]

I always saw the movie as an analogy for drug addiction. The box being a symbol for drug use and the cenobites are the "demons" of drug use. Frank succumbing to his drug addiction and Kirsty fighting her addictions and overcoming them.

[@collativelearning]

I'd say more about sex addiction, which is a form of drug addiction ... addiction to the hormones it releases.

[@erikt19g5]

Sex, drugs, alcohol, caffeine, food… the box represents that next dopamine rush no matter what your vice is. The cenobites represent addiction, the bugs represent the aftermath of what happens when the addiction takes hold. The movie uses ‘sex’ addiction as a metaphor because that is one vice that can be conveyed in an audio-visual format (you can’t show the buzz you get off alcohol or drugs in a movie, but you can do that with the ol’ rumpy pumpy. If you need further proof, watch porn). Frank wearing Larry’s skin but still sounding like Larry used to throw me for a loop, until I realized Frank represents Larry’s addictive personality and him wearing the patter’s skin represents his sub coming to his addiction.

[@MichaelAllred]

@@collativelearning I'd still LOVE to see you tackle William Friedkin's "Cruising". Seems like a movie you'd love digging into

[@dallas7077]

@@GamerWordDotNet Barker was actually a gay prostitute specializing in BDSM at one point. He actually contracted HIV from needle play. The design of pinhead is a lot more interesting with that in mind.

[@trogoautoegocrat666]

It’s about heroin addiction. All other vices serve as functions to the portal of the ‘needle.’

[@realbadger]

One of my favourite movie trilogies (I don't count Five and beyond, and I barely acknowledge Four). I love how cool it is that _decades_ later... people _still_ are discussing and analyzing _Hellraiser..._

[@tareksursock8631]

I don’t know if anyone else noticed that Pinheads face is covered with nails that are organized in a series of square shapes just like the infamous box.

[@edwardhoward-williams1692]

Gosh...

[@musicians_with_gunts]

How could anyone possibly notice that!? You genius!

[@tareksursock8631]

Hihi, Cheers for that! Rob Ager’s the real genius, I’m just a bystander in comparison ;)

[@JDODify]

I really like the idea of the metaphorical box inside us. I can really relate to that

[@NoOne-uh9vu]

Symbolism that most people have missed: 1. Adam and Eve and the fall. Julia falls prey to temptation snake (frank) and opens the door for the destruction of the holy family unit. Larry (Adam) is innocent. Apple = Box = Metaphysical corruption of the soul 2. The pattern gets repeated in the end as Kirsty and her boyfriend are now on their own in a fallen world severed from the previous world (disappearance of the house = garden) 3. The pet shop another symbolism for the protected innocence of the garden. Freedom means living with the consequences. 4. The arbitrary pursuit of appetites opens doors that can't be closed again, they represent a permanent stain on the soul 5. Cain and Abel symbolism. Larry is a genuinely good person who cares for his family getting deleted by his fallen sibling in an attempt to take his place like in the original story @collativelearning

[@NoOne-uh9vu]

@Generic_Name_33 True. The hero's journey bit is overshadowed by the story of the fall because Kirsty isnt the main protagonist but rather a side character in the great scheme of things that just happens to be the one experiencing the hero's journey through collateral damage. One of the reasons why Hellraiser seems so fresh even today because it has this added layer of complexity in its structure

[@pheresy1367]

@@NoOne-uh9vu There are many interpretations of "the Fall". I'm not convinced that the one above is the one represented in Hellraiser. In some gnostic versions, "The Fall" shows the wise and benevolent serpent showing Adam and Eve a way to escape the "Fool's Paradise" which was "the Garden". "If they eat from the Tree of Knowledge they will become like us," said the Lord. In other words, the infantilized prisoners will become ADULTS... Clive plays with so many competing themes without going "all in" on JUST ONE. Hellraiser is my favorite horror movie for that reason (amongst many)

[@thejammod]

@@NoOne-uh9vu I think it's the weakness of the story: Kirsty isn't involved much in the first part. She's the main character, but doesn't affect it until the second half. I'd have liked to have seen her involved with Julia in the first actant developed that relationship.

[@potaxpotax]

Rather than the TV static being their dimension, i think the static, randomly distributed bits of black and white, symbolise duality, good and evil, pain and pleasure, our and their dimension... and the screen is, as you suggest, a doorway that lets us traverse to and from these opposing realities. As usual, great work, Rob!

[@minecraftplayer560]

i doubt that they were trying to add this in as a actually interpretation but static is caused by background radiation from space ( at least it is one of the major factors ) due to the big bang. Its essentially a residue of extreme chaos energy. Its only after a half to 2 billion years later to create galaxy's. and it took ~14 billion years (new research with the James Webb is starting to think otherwise) from chaos to beauty. from a vacant molten rock to a ocean. from a ocean to a forest in where you can find flowers. I don't know i might be looking too deep into it.

[@augustgreig9420]

The blood flowing up into the drip bag also has some connotations to heroin, the flash of the blood registering in the needle, which both Barker and Frank are familiar with.

[@BTwiseman]

At the beginning of all your videos I’m like “Hmmm I think that’s a stretch” and every single time you back it up and prove that there really is more to unpack. Well done once again 🤟🏼

[@gompett]

Great video Rob. As you talked about the hospital scene, I noticed the round window on the black door to the hospital room, appearing like the face of the puzzle box, thus Kirsty is once again "inside the puzzle box". I believe this illustrates the psychological duality of care in a hospital, undoubtedly a place of pain, however there is a sense of pleasure we subconsciously undergo when we are ill in the care of others. Hospitals can be a gateway to this feeling, with psychological phenomena such as a sentimental or sometimes romantic attraction that forms within us for our carers. However, like the other sources of dual pain and pleasure, some people 'overindulge' in these feelings, demonstrating types of self-harm, and somatic and factitious symptoms. Furthermore, many people unwittingly form their own preconceptions about what a stay in hospital is really like, and get a sharp shock when the staff are not doting by their bedside 24/7 or providing the care they expected. If Kirsty's were my doctor and nurse, I'd be having serious doubts over their qualifications!

[@Emulous79]

The hospital scene is certainly surreal. Doesn't quite tally with a real visit to any hospital I've seen! It's a mental hospital which was the first impression I got. Kirsty's warped sense of reality due to playing with her box.

[@SchoolingCubs]

This was the first horror movie I remember watching as a kid and as a child I always equated it simply as being careful what you wish for. To watch it as an adult I find so much more in it.

[@cowboywaingro7259]

Incredible movie that hits you from many different angles. Great pacing and so well written

[@haddonfieldradio666]

This is a perfect example of Rob Ager’s analytical brilliance and why I consider him an inspiration on my own KZbin analysis videos that I produce on the channel my partner and I created - HADDONFIELD RADIO. Thank you, Rob for so many incredibly interesting videos. Your work always expands my mind…

[@Emulous79]

Brilliant analysis. I always felt there was something more to this movie but couldn't pinpoint it. Barker is quite the genius and expert on these dark things.

[@carljames4862]

Perceptual doorway box movie link with Lynch's Mulholland Drive and the blue box. That movie also features a scary homeless man behind Winkie's diner.

[@penitentialarts]

The puzzle box seller may have been drinking absinthe. You typically add sugar to it, to help cover up the underlying bitter taste. Absinthe has the reputation of causing bizarre dreams.

[@Emulous79]

You may be right, there. That is a pretty hard drug. If you look closely it appears to be dark green.

[@SufferDYT]

@@Emulous79 Absinthe is nothing more than alcohol, and the hallucinogenic affects are just myths / urban legend.

[@Emulous79]

@@SufferDYT Funny I was just thinking of absinthe before reading your comment. You're right. I remember drinking it years ago and felt euphoric, though didn't hallucinate anything. Pretty weird thoughts, though.

[@CrazyChiv]

Haven't watched this movie in a long time. Guess I'll have to blow the dust off the old VHS, open the box and see what's inside.

[@Borequee]

Great analysis, which has opened my eyes to many layers in this movie when I first watched it last weekend. I must admit that I often think at first that Rob is quite stretching it with his readings, in the sense that all details are taken to be radiating meaning and there is almost no room for contingency or accidents. Yet, his detailed commentaries prove their great value in the way they make me concentrate on aspects of the film that I had neglected. This to the degree that I feel blind for not having seen all those details (sometimes as minor as window pane decorations) as intentional cues for the viewer's eye. Thanks for deepening my viewing experience!

[@Blerwerler]

The sugar cubes being dropped into the green beverage was most likely supposed to be Absinthe. The potentially psychoactive property found in Absinthe, commonly referred to as wormwood, was historically advertised to have fantastical effects-- namely Communicating with 'Spirits'.

[@NickolaiPetrovitch]

I thought so as well.

[@Mutiny960]

I'd have to disagree as Absinthe is well known to have its sugar melted into a slotted spoon. It was drank cold and the sugar wouldn't dissolve like it does in tea or coffee. CORRECTION: I looked again and it does have a HUGE utensil inside the glass that is probably a large spoon. It's a closeup and the so the shot is deliberate. I can see how that might have been a Re-Take as the original take of "Melting Substance In a Spoon" in the 1980's would be too close to Heroin in order to pass the Censorship Board. But the Heroin imagery would also go into the Pleasure = Pain metaphor

[@NickolaiPetrovitch]

@@Mutiny960 I’d have to disagree because … 😂

[@Emulous79]

For someone having first-hand experience of Absinthe... yes.

[@cal4021]

Wormwood is also a demon mentioned in revelations in the Bible i believe

[@ottohoulihan2743]

Been looking forward to this. I'm a big Clive Barker fan (for his books and art really) but this is a decent film and hellraiser has some good mythology to it. Nice one Rob👌

[@jasonvoorhees310]

I can watch any of your analysis videos. The Thing, the shining, Alien, Predator, Exorcist, ect. But the Hellraiser ones are by far my favorite.

[@mjkypta]

One of my faves. Glad to see you turn to this film Rob.

[@dustinvanderpool592]

And this is the type of material that brought me to your page originally I'm perpetually studying this movie and it's sequels You constantly bring new insight to the subject Thank you for your service

[@neelyohara88]

i always felt that the implication was that kirsty had been molested by frank. she always seems repelled by him on a visceral level that is a bit more than dislike.

[@michaelcleary9463]

I lived in a house with the same wallpaper on the stairs, the pattern was really close to the lament configuration box

[@jackkrauser2361]

Great video Rob! The symbolism in this movie is really powerful.

[@roger.e.lareau4556]

Just like in Videodrome. "Television is reality and reality is television ".

[@gregsmith7949]

This was one of the first "R" rated movies I saw in theaters after I turned 17 in 1987. Needless to say, it blew me away. It's still one of my favorite horror movies. A totally original concept executed perfectly.

[@djomen131]

I always thought the phrase "the "box", you opened it, we "came"" had some not so subtle sexual undertones.

[@HP_Ken]

Great great analysis!! Thanks for all of the work you put into your videos ! Love the content!

[@ElectrickDragon]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing this with us!!

[@aldokurti3272]

As always brilliantly covered Rob.Can't wait for more amazing horror content from you.Interesting take you had about Steve too,when I first saw the movie I always thought that he was like a younger version of Frank and that Kirsty loving him probably meant that she was doomed to actually go down the same path as Frank and be taken by the cenobites.

[@collativelearning]

Yeah they even have a similar look.

[@aldokurti3272]

@@collativelearning Are you planning on an analysis on the second movie or the 2022 movie of hellraiser anytime doon?

[@carabe197]

@@collativelearning To your "flowers in windows"- the Flower in bud is in the downstairs, while the blooming flower window is middle of the stairs leading to the attic, or as you said, the Box. So the blooming flower marks a "threshold" between the normal world and the pleasure of the Cenobites

[@dimebrad2760]

Rob you did a really good job on this video. I enjoyed the new details and perspective on the themes. Never thought of it this way but makes a lot of sense. Way to open the door! Not a pun. Lol.

[@torque9889]

Interesting point about Kirsty starting to crave the sensory experiences of the box as in the comics she eventually becomes the new Pinhead and is arguably worse than original pinhead.

[@richardbuckley1232]

The wire mesh fence is also reminiscent of scales on the snake. Fantastic critique!

[@venusstringbreaker8763]

I see a new collative learning video on horror movie psychology, I click it

[@tareksursock8631]

Another detail I noticed was the semi circle window that we see outside the house just above the windows where Frank was killed. What is strange is that the semi circle window isn’t visible from inside the room. Also when Kirsty makes out with Steve in the subway, we see a similar large semi circle window right above that looks like a predatory eye looking down on them.

[@jesserivera9704]

as the "doctor" leaves Kirsty's hospital room, there is a circular window whose shadow suggests a crescent moon as well.

[@Terrordome3000]

Fantastic work.

[@travisbicklejr]

Superb analysis, Rob! Very much appreciate your work!

[@Dollar_Store_Cacodemon]

A very interesting analysis, Rob. Thank you. 👍🏻

[@HamIsDelicious]

Hi Rob, I love your work and have enjoyed it for some time! I would add that the box is incarnation itself, a form of limitation upon which pain and pleasure are inscribed. In my imagination part of the point of Hellraiser is that while we claim to seek infinity (spirit) we are compelled by the pain and pleasure of the box. Hence the fleshy aesthetic. It is the body we ultimately seek though it is also what hurts and confines us.

[@dolphin66]

Fascinating. Thanks!

[@jeanpaulmichell7243]

I recall reading the novella many moons ago; great stuff, very erotic and imaginatively written. Barker's written material in the 80s was pretty fantastic, especially the Books of Blood - I would LOVE to see some top tier horror directors do more of those stories (Candy Man was the best film adaptation from the collection imo).

[@ZigUncut]

"They" made a series based on the books of blood and I only watched, or tried to watch the first, but it wasn't very good and not true to the stories.

[@jeanpaulmichell7243]

@@ZigUncut Yes I heard of that. Sounds like a shit-show. Not even based on Barker's stories, why call it Books of Blood then? It's a shame how his work has been denigrated.

[@ZigUncut]

@@jeanpaulmichell7243 yeah it's a shame. So much of his work has been optioned, not made or butchered. I would love to make an animated series based on his work.

[@ericgardner3140]

@@ZigUncut that would be EPIC! You have no end of source material. There were something like 25 comics that furthered the story after the movies.

[@ZigUncut]

@@ericgardner3140 The Yattering and Jack would make a fabulous Christmas short.

[@ShadowMantis702]

I also hand-waved and overlooked this movie because of its abysmal sequels, which I was exposed to before watching the first. I’m very glad I later revisited it and discovered one of my new favs.

[@Sandra-hc4vo]

Great video! Very interesting!

[@jenniferlavoie2548]

i always thought her encounter with skinless frank and his "come to daddy" comment belied past sexual abuse perhaps.

[@debravenning948]

Always loved Hell raiser 👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏👍💪🇭🇲

[@0dulsonbtch709]

Excellent video as always

[@covid-yq8zy]

Loved this movie when i was a teen (and still do) but 10 years later i had a nasty nightmare with visuals i know came directly from this movie. Hellraiser 1 and even 2 were good, it's a shame what they did after.

[@skruffytiger2002]

I don't know if this factors in, but Barker has used other puzzles as you mention around 3 minutes in, including a rug that 'weaves' people and places into it, the clock-spinning puzzle in abarat, and the geo-coordinate revelance of the great and secret show. I believe that an underlying theme in all of barker's stories of one sort or another

[@RevBrotherJackMusick]

Along with the television in the room, I would add, --> LOOK AT THE DOOR: The window is round. therefore, the door (a portal) looks just like the puzzle box. She is already inside a representation of the puzzle box, when awakening inside the hospital room. She is presented with the box by the creepy doctor. Boxes within boxes.

[@Kyle_Riel]

Awesome video. Thank you

[@ajromero3692]

I always thought the hospital scene was very odd for the reasons mentioned (the nurse waiting for Kirsty, the doctor giving her the puzzle box, and Kirsty being locked in the room). I used to think it was just kind of a plot hole but the theory that the doctor and nurse are agents of the cenobites (or perhaps even cenobites themselves) is absolutely brilliant. It's also kind of supported by the way the doctor acts. I don't know, I always got a sort of cunning vibe from him, like he knew more than he was telling. I now accept it as canon that they were acting in concert with the cenobites (or are cenobites themselves).

[@c1rcl3s]

Barker was inspired by George Bataille the philosopher, and his search for the"limit experience"

[@seththewelsh1055]

Love your insights!

[@StarskyBuba]

The cenobites come from the TV and the TV is often referred to as the "box". What's on the box?! Your worst possible thoughts!

[@Emulous79]

And Marilyn Manson said "God is in the TV"

[@eternaltale6482]

Barker is true magician of our time. He basically channeled these cenobites in real life - body modification movements and other outlandish stuff.... " First it controls your mind, then it destroys your body" : that's from Videodrome movie commercial by David Cronenberg. Another great 80 ties body horror movie.

[@dlmiller7873]

The hypercube is symbolic of a mental trap inside a physical trap. Not unlike the mind in the body in the world, the player in the game, and pieces on squares of the chessboard. The box entombs the body. The body entombs the mind, and the world entombs them all.

[@dano8902]

In the scene where Kirsty is in the hospital, playing with the Lament Configuration, those little pink electrical things also resemble sperm.

[@sygos]

i never even watched hellraiser once despite being a big fan of gore and violent media growing up, I was also averse to a lot of horror movies because they were too scary to me. I just watched it for the first time a few days ago after seeing you had reviews up and just got your haunted biology video too, thanks rob

[@brandname6]

Great bloomin analysis as always

[@seanwelch71]

Hellraiser was an instant classic.

[@mroctober3657]

Our generation's It's A Wonderful Life.

[@seanwelch71]

@@mroctober3657 haha 😆.

[@raymond9966]

Mr. Ager, in Sam Mendes' "Empire of Light"(2022), Deakins is the Cinematographer and there is a sequence near the film's conclusion where Olivia Colman's character makes a request from Toby Jones' character, which is an "easter egg" I am sure you will enjoy

[@reyfernandezjr]

To be honest, before seeing this movie and seeing the cenobites, I was thinking, "Why are these people dressed as in BDSM?" Everything you said about sexuality, pleasure, and pain makes complete sense, and all of the imagery in the film are linked-even hell itself is neatly personal.

[@lesleyrussell8200]

barker said he copied the look for the cenobites from the british punk image,..lead cenobite looks like sid vicious....

[@MustafaKulle]

Your dark voice narrations are priceless. XD

[@NickolaiPetrovitch]

One thing I wanna point out Rob is the you see Kirstie and Steve sleep in different beds with a cross hanging between their beds. So her virginity is still implied despite the metaphors throughout the film which I found interesting and i think the film as you imply represents Kristie the journey or fall of kristie losing her “innocence.” (I hate the patriarchal concept of virginity and innocence, it’s another form of sexualization of young girls as these are rarely applied to men especially before recent history.) Another great video Rob! You’re a constant inspiration to me. My fiancé is terrified of horror but I recently got in to watch my favourite movie, The Thing , and then showed him yoyr analysis. Now I’ve gotten jim to watch The Shining amongst others, I alwyss show him your analysis’ afterwards and he loves them. He works in film and really respects your work! Thanks for another great video Rob! Take care! Xo

[@your.dark.lord.]

Here we go again wih the patriarchy...what a brainwashing.

[@NickolaiPetrovitch]

@@your.dark.lord. yawn.

[@your.dark.lord.]

Conspiracy theory, and recipe for dying alone and bitter😁

[@NickolaiPetrovitch]

@@your.dark.lord. married to the love of my life for 10 years with two kids. Stop projecting, the reason women won’t touch you is because you say things like this. Get therapy. You genuinely need it and I hope you get some help.

[@5672step]

Reminds me of Stinkfist from Tools album AEnima. Good shit 👍

[@Emulous79]

Now I'm thinking of a certain scene in Cruising 🤣

[@SeanLigman-yo6yc]

One wonders, well, this one anyhow.....how much of these references are deliberate and how much is created subconsciously....

[@firekind1980]

On a basic level I can't understand how this low budget horror movie had the score, character design, box design to make it perfect. Imagine how many things could be different and the movie would be a nothing burger. If it wasn't for this movie and Clive I'd never be a reader. I'm a reader because of Clive. Thanks Clive.

[@TherealTenmanI]

Brick wall on the subway has the same half archway at the top as the house and the attic window.

[@dallas7077]

So happy to see you analyze my favourite horror movie! As usual you pointed out a lot of things I never noticed. I think I'll check out your video about nihilism in Hellraiser as well. When reading the book it always stood out to me as being extremely nihilistic. Sense pleasure is portrayed as a trap that brings no lasting happiness, yet there are also continual jabs at religion throughout as well. In the novella the man who sells Frank the box is from Germany and is named Kircher. I think this is a reference to Athanasius Kircher, a Jesuit who liked to collect strange items from around the world, which is fitting. However "Kirche" is also German for church and the name Kircher means minister. I wonder if this is an intentional pun; since Kircher sells Frank a false promise of pleasure, then perhaps Barker is saying that priests sell a false promise of salvation to their congregation.

[@Emulous79]

Religion is false. And seeking pleasure for pleasure's sake has its price. A nihilistic universe akin to Lovecraft. Barker has some deep insight into these things.

[@brandonkindt1205]

Roses are also symbolic of the Resurrection - as in "He rose." Which Frank did.

[@newdefsys]

Absolutely, more Hellraiser analyses

[@coinraker6497]

Yeah even though I always liked this movie Rob has given me a MUCH deeper appreciation for it.

[@pheresy1367]

On the TV, they are watching "BOXING" which means they are watching a sport.... CALLED BOXING, which is another reference to boxes.

[@Bardo429]

I’ve loved your videos for years man

[@gerardomoncada5222]

The hooks coming from the box to Frank are in the shape of a star, hence five hooks.

[@lesleyrussell8200]

very well,very interesting,...i have always thought that at first franks hooks do not come out of the box,it is a way of explaining the destruction that the cenobites do to his physicall body after watching the scene of him torn to pieces on the ground,,and my question is ¿who put julia on the matres with the box in her hands when she died at the stairs stabed and sucked by frank?

[@Holiday_Ringo]

Hellraiser II is great.

[@BurninatorTheTrogdor]

The book is even better. All his books are pretty trippy.

[@onkcuf]

Gee,I just liked the film. Never thought that deeply about it. I have a box in my room now.

[@coinraker6497]

Cool, you gonna open it? 😉

[@31minutesago]

My theory is the Borg are the cenobites of the Star Trek universe.

[@jesserivera9704]

i'd like to add that "box" is a slang euphemism for "vagina" around here anyway.

[@collativelearning]

Here too.

[@VLADIMIR007ISH]

Does it have any relation between the time Bandits and Hellraiser labyrinth

[@sinasouls]

16:08 tbh I doubt that Frank bought the cube from China, because in this scene religious(Islamic) chanting can be heard in the background, my bet is Iraq or Saudi Arabia. (I’m from Iran and I know Persian and a little Arabic.) and it also ties in with other religion related references in the movie.

[@Mutiny960]

He is in Morocco. The book states this specifically. 1 of the few things Rob has been mistaken about in all these years I've watch his videos :)

[@sinasouls]

@@Mutiny960 Maybe the book says Morocco, I have NOT read it. However, Rob clearly says "China" at 16:08 of this very video and considering the religious chanting and the clothing of people in the background, I wrote: it cannot be China.

[@Emulous79]

@@Mutiny960 For sure, Muslim chants like in The Exorcist. Islam Morocco.

[@proximacentauri6619]

This kinda makes sense. The whole middle-east geography is a huge torture box for the people are living there which is made of religious conflicts, wars and terrorism. Maybe people have less pleasure and more missery in this real hellhole.

[@CrewCell1984]

Clive Barker is great

[@jodieg6318]

Also something I think is interesting about Hellraiser in how the main antagonist Frank is portrayed as an empty, violent hedonist always chasing a high, the subsequent sexual violence is not shown as a sensual desire that was tempted by the victim à la the "wHaT wErE yOu wEaRiNg?" victim blaming, but by the perpetrator's desire to inflict pain, and in a film where people get torn apart by hooks and chains, sexual assault is another form of torture as it is indeed categorized as such by the United Nations and Amnesty International.

[@pheresy1367]

I thought that the bug-eating homeless guy was a reference to Renfield (from Dracula).

[@matteorapetti3222]

Had I missed the reference to the square shaped grooves on pinhead's face?

[@davidd854]

My interpretation is that the pain/pleasure combination represents sinful activity. It gives sensual pleasure and spiritual pain at the same time. For example, having an affair (probably makes one feel good, but very bad deep inside at the same time. Hell as a spiritual state where the soul can be in). It would fit with the Christian symbolism. Jung said squares were symbols of the self. The square box changes into a flower-shape when the gate to hell is opened. Thus perhaps representing the balanced soul chasing (sinful) pleasure changing itself and becoming disbalanced, although in touch with sensual pleasure. To send away the demons at the end Kirsty has to 'solve the puzzle' and change the flowershaped box back to a square (The last phallic(?) demon is making this really difficult for her by interfering with her hands and the box).

[@00TheD]

In the stair well with 4 and the directional logo where they kiss that is a eye over there head.

[@phazonultra4244]

I only recently realized how much “Kirstie” sounds like “Christ”.

[@michaelbooth2890]

Is there any significance in the costume design for Kirsty at the train station? With the fedora and leather jacket she looks like Indiana Jones without a whip.