The Crow

​THE CROW was always going to be a film that attracted a lot of attention. Directing splatterpunk author David J. Schow’s adaptation of James O’Barr’s cult-favorite comics series, first-time feature director Alex Proyas drenches the movie in noir-horror mood, and Brandon Lee gives a galvanizing performance as the vengeful Eric Draven. Sadly, all other facets of the film became overwhelmed by Lee’s tragic, accidental death on set during the final days of shooting. Though the filmmakers were able to see it through to completion, Paramount dropped THE CROW, which was then picked up by Dimension Films and became a big and influential success. Looking past the unfortunate circumstances of its production, THE CROW remains a singular achievement in the dark-fantasy genre, with emotional resonance to go with its evocative style, anchored by Lee’s magnetic presence.