April 20, 2016

Sometimes, there are characters in genre pictures that are so darned righteous and awesome, you can’t stop thinking about them or their amazing feats long after the movie is over. This column is dedicated to those cinematic bad-asses that keep us coming back for more. And it’s about time that Dan Cain from RE-ANIMATOR and BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR got a bow of respect from us all!

It’s fairly easy to overlook the fine work that Bruce Abbott has done in these movies, because of the wild, eccentricities of Herbert West, a role that’s become so indelible with his real life actor counterpart Jeffrey Combs, he tends to be the first thing you think about when you hear to word “reanimator.” But when you stop to really analyze these films, as I did earlier this week in my double take column, you realize that Dan truly is the heart and soul of the RE-ANIMATOR franchise.

In the original, his introduction happens in an intense scene where a patient is battling for their life in an emergency room. Despite their best efforts from Dan & his colleagues, the person succumbs. And immediately, he refuses to give up, even though we know the patient is long gone and nothing can be done to bring them back. Right from the beginning, it sets up so much about that character. For one, he’s genuinely compassionate and wants to help people. He also refuses to quit and let things lie as they appear, even if all hope is lost. In essence, he’s the perfect counter-balance to Herbert, whose sporadic and compulsive behavior might make him come off as a little insensitive. It’s why Dan is a great partner for the otherwise bizarre medical student.

Everything he does in the first movie is for the benefit of Meg (Barbara Crampton), his one true love. But as soon as he starts seeing the results of West’s work, he becomes obsessed with the idea of conquering death and joining him on his quest, no matter what the cost. And eventually, it does cost him his relationship, his future at the college and the life of Meg’s father Dean Halsey. RE-ANIMATOR ends up in a rather melancholy place, which sets the stage perfectly for his demeanor in BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR.

After losing Meg, he’s even more committed to solving the mystery of reanimation with Herbert, following him to South America in the middle of a battle zone for the sake of research! He does meet the lovely Francesca there, who is the first woman since Meg he slowly feels comfortable with. He also has a deep affinity for one of his patients at the hospital, Gloria, played by Kathleen Kinmont. Her body is failing her. The only part of her that isn’t succumbing to disease is her head. (Herbert a makes mental note.)

When Herbert’s experiments get a little too off-the-wall, he lures Dan back in by showing him the heart of his beloved Meg. He promises to use it to fuel the body of the female they will bring to life. And despite finally having a decent relationship with Francesca, the moment the “bride” is born, you can see in Dan’s face how much he sees his one true love in her otherwise alarming visage. It’s these heartbreaking scenes between him and the Bride in the finale when he turns and says, “but… it’s Meg” that always get me!

Also, Bruce Abbott’s hair is so on point in both movies, especially BRIDE, that he could easily get all our respect for that alone!

Dan Cain was the level headed of the two scientists doing the unorthodox work for the most righteous of reasons. He genuinely was compassionate and wanted to help find a way to make their research save lives and prevent death, that way no one else would have to feel the pain he endured losing Meg. Bruce Abbott sells this in every scene he’s in. And for that sir, you’ve earned this hashtag.

#RESPECT