Jacob's Ladder
The most frightening thing about Jacob Singer's nightmare is that he isn't dreaming.
Overview
After returning home from the Vietnam War, veteran Jacob Singer struggles to maintain his sanity. Plagued by hallucinations and flashbacks, Singer rapidly falls apart as the world and people around him morph and twist into disturbing images. His girlfriend, Jezzie, and ex-wife, Sarah, try to help, but to little avail. Even Singer's chiropractor friend, Louis, fails to reach him as he descends into madness.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Released in 1990, Jacob's Ladder was initially met with mixed reviews but has since been recognized as a cult classic. The film reflects the social and cultural climate of the late 80s and early 90s, including themes like Vietnam War trauma and its long-lasting effects on soldiers.
- The movie offers a unique blend of psychological horror and dramatic storytelling, creating an intense and thought-provoking experience.
- Tim Robbins delivers an outstanding performance as the troubled protagonist, making it worthwhile for fans of character-driven dramas.
- Jacob's Ladder explores deep and intriguing themes such as guilt, loss, trauma, and redemption, appealing to viewers who enjoy contemplative films.
- The surreal and dreamlike sequences add a layer of mystery and visual appeal that will keep you engaged throughout.
Fun Facts
- The movie was originally titled 'Trouble in Mind', but the studio changed it to Jacob's Ladder as they thought the original title sounded too dark.
- The famous 'cat on a leash' scene was improvised by actor Danny Aiello, who brought his own cat to set.
- Jacob's Ladder is considered by some to be one of the earliest examples of psychological horror films that would later become popular in the 2000s.