George Mihalka’s My Bloody Valentine from 1981 is often cited as one of the better entries from the original slasher boom of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. In order to receive an R rating for its initial release, it was drastically cut. I’m actually going to discuss the unrated special edition that was reconstructed to capitalize on the release of the 2009 3D remake, though. Featuring a unique setting, an atypical for the genre cast, and fun gore effects, it’s easy to see why it’s fondly remembered.
The small dead-end mining town of Valentine’s Bluffs in Nova Scotia is preparing for their first Valentine’s Day dance in twenty years. The party-loving young twenty-somethings that work in the mine and populate the only tavern in town are looking forward to the bash, as are the community’s elders who make up the planning committee. However, there is some apprehension as the reason that the dance festival was discontinued twenty years ago was because of a series of gruesome killings in the wake of an equally horrific tragedy. The sheriff would rather just not talk about it and continue the festivities as planned, however, there are others like the creepy doomsaying bartender who want to remind everyone of the prophetic promise given by the maniac. At first, the blue-collar beer-swilling young folks view the tale as a sort of urban legend, but it’s not long before murders mirroring the original killings start to occur.
One thing that sets this film apart from its brethren is its usage of working-class adults as its focus. Typically, it’s teens or college kids getting hacked up. All the location shooting around the dilapidated town and especially in the mine also brings a gritty texture to the piece. It complements the grimy nature of the story. I liked the look of the killer, as well. The gas mask, mining jumpsuit, helmet, and pickaxe are truly intimidating and also visually interesting. The writing and performances aren’t what you’d call award-winning, but they’re more than fine for a film like this. I’d say the main attraction of the flick is its gore effects, though. Graphic and over the top, these scenes are responsible for much of the fun in the film and I have a hard time believing that the R rated version would be nearly as enjoyable. The folksy theme song that plays over the credits is a perfect capper to the effort, too.
If you’re looking for fun early ‘80s horror, you could do a lot worse than George Mihalka’s My Bloody Valentine. It features a few unusual wrinkles for the slasher genre and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. I’m very happy to have it in my collection. Recommended for fans of Halloween (1978), Friday the 13th (1980), and Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984).
Michael Cavender