Long before Liam Neeson let the world know about his “very particular set of skills,” he was Darkman. The cult classic from director Sam Raimi even predates Neeson’s Star Wars and Batman Begins days. Yet, in many ways, it feels like it belongs to the initial comic book movie boom of the early 2000s.
Kevin Smith joins the show to discuss why Darkman is such a well-kept secret, how it’s a critical turning point for Raimi’s career, and why Hollywood should dust off the franchise. We’ll also cover Oscar winner Frances McDormand, the late great Larry Drake, and that pink elephant.
He’s everyone and no one. Everywhere and nowhere. But this episode, you can call him Darkman.
SYNOPSIS
When thugs employed by a crime boss lead a vicious assault on Dr. Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson), leaving him literally and psychologically scarred, an emergency procedure allows him to survive. Upon his recovery, Westlake can find solace only by returning to his scientific work developing synthetic skin, and seeking revenge against the crime boss. He assumes a phantom avenger persona called Darkman, who — with malleable facial qualities — is able to infiltrate and sow terror in the criminal community.
SHOW NOTES
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