The second season of Masters of Horror has brought in some new blood, but it has also called back in a few directors from the first season to once again attempt to scare us with their tales of terror. Last year Mick Garris, director of The Stand, the television mini-series for The Shining, and even the screen writer for The Fly II presented his Masters of Horror offering; Chocolate. He’s back once again in season two with a new yarn; Valerie on the Stairs.

Based on a story by the prolific Clive Barker (who after seeing an interview in the bonus features seems to need to cut back on the tobacco usage) aspiring novelist Rob Hanisey (Tyron Leitso) has just moved into a rather rundown and ramshackle apartment complex that is specifically for writers. Without any outside distractions, Rob hopes to finally complete his masterpiece, but he is soon plagued by strange visions and dreams of a beautiful woman who seems to be lost somewhere within the premise. Consulting those living there has revealed nothing, but after speaking with Everett Neely (Christopher Lloyd) he begins to see a connection. In his youth, Neely wrote what he considers to be an appalling piece of horror fiction which became an even worse film, and the demon from the book and film also seem to be lurking in the shadows. Rob soon discovers however that every event that is transpiring may be preordained and written by the writers themselves living there, and now Rob must decide what is truth, what is fiction, and if he can write a new ending.

The works of Clive Barker have a few elements that are almost always present; demons, gore, and sex, and all three of these are in fact present and accounted for. Valerie on the Stairs certainly is crafted a little better than some of the Masters of Horror episodes that I’ve watched, but it is still by far not a masterpiece and actually something I would consider to be a little less than expect, especially when Clive Barker is concerned.

Garris however does a magnificent job at capturing the right mood for the movie. It isn’t overly creepy, but it does have some rather surreal moments that keep you guessing as to what might really be going on, and luckily things are so cut and dried as to point you in the right direction too soon. Investigation becomes the key, and it works rather well. The casting is equally ideal, and really the biggest surprise is Christopher Lloyd who I really doubted could pull off a role in a horror film, but in fact does an outstanding job. There is a moment where you here just a little Fester Addams in his voice, but it’s better than hearing him blurt out “Great Scott” or talk about time travel. Also, the presence of Tony Todd, who is no stranger to the work of Barker, is a very nice asset for the film in his role of the demon. As a matter of fact, it really took me a while to place exactly who it was under the makeup, and that’s a sign of good make-up.

The gore meanwhile isn’t poorly done, and it isn’t always an essential part in telling the story. What you will find is a lot of straying gore, some spines being torn out, flesh being ripped away, hanging bodies; all of the right elements to give the movie just a touch of graphic bloodshed to make things just right. However, if you’re one who is a bit squeamish, you won’t find that there is too much blood to make you vomit.

The problem that I have with Valerie on the Stairs though really isn’t in the presentation itself, but it’s just that the segment becomes rather unmemorable. The idea of someone living a life that may or may not be there’s isn’t necessarily a new concept. Even today as I’m writing this there was an article released that claims there is a 20% chance that all of us are really living in a virtual world like Second Life or The Sims (and if that’s the case, someone better start creating some better macros for my character.) Putting the concept of a life uncontrolled into a horror environment works to a certain extent, but not enough to keep things truly interesting, and the ending of Valerie on the Stairs is rather rushed and feels cheap.

As always, this particular release from the Masters of Horror series includes quite a few bonus features. There is commentary with Mick Garris as well as a behind-the-scenes feature that does include spoilers. There’s actually a featurette about editing of all things, but I found this to be quite fascinating as you get a look at the decisions to try and make certain scenes more frightening or have more of an impact. There is also a photo gallery and for those who have a DVD-ROM, you can read through the screenplay.

Valerie on the Stairs isn’t the jewel in the crown of The Masters of Horror series, but it by far isn’t the worst of the bunch. It’s definitely worth watching, and the visual style that Garris brings to the piece works well as do a few other things, but overall Valerie on the Stairs becomes just another episode that will be mentioned, but will hardly make it onto a list of best episodes.

-mike-