Get ready for a chilling journey into the world of cult classics with Larry Cohen's 1976 sci-fi horror masterpiece, "God Told Me To." This film is a wild ride that will leave you questioning reality and the nature of divine intervention.
For the uninitiated, Larry Cohen was a prolific writer-director known for his unique and striking films. His career began with the comedic "Bone" in 1972, followed by blaxploitation classics like "Black Caesar" and "Hell Up in Harlem." But it was his 1974 horror film, "It's Alive," about a mutant infant's killing spree, that put him on the map.
Cohen's body of work is vast and diverse, ranging from crime movies like "Perfect Strangers" to monster comedies like "Full Moon High." However, he is perhaps most renowned for his outrageous horror films, such as "Q – The Winged Serpent" and the bizarre "The Stuff."
"God Told Me To" takes us into a terrifying premise where cults, mass murder, and alien encounters intertwine. The story follows a devout Catholic cop, Peter, played by Tony Lo Bianco, who encounters a belltower shooter at the film's outset. The shooter's response to Peter's inquiry about the murders? Simply, "God told me to." And thus begins a series of God-related mass killings that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
As the film progresses, we learn about a rash of mass killings across New York, with each assailant claiming divine instruction. The killers seem to have no prior history of violence or mental illness, and they have no connection to one another. Peter, our Catholic protagonist, begins to wonder if God is indeed orchestrating these murders.
Peter's investigation takes an intriguing turn when he visits the home of Bernard Phillips, played by the legendary Richard Lynch. Bernard's mother reveals a shocking story of alien abduction in her youth, leading Peter to suspect that Bernard may be a half-alien hybrid involved in the murders.
The truth is even more bizarre. Bernard is revealed to be a psychic alien controlling a cult of ultra-wealthy followers. He appears in the minds of the assailants as God, compelling them to commit the murders. The film also explores subplots of copycat killers and a personal grudge between Peter and a local gangster, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
The climax of the film is a mind-bending confrontation between Peter and Bernard, where Peter learns unsettling truths about the world, Bernard's lineage, and himself. A shocking twist reveals a recognizable aperture on Bernard's torso, leaving viewers with a chilling image.
Adding to the film's intrigue is the casting of prankster-comedian Andy Kaufman as a murderous New York cop, a role that showcases his dramatic range. The film also stars Deborah Raffin, Sylvia Sidney, and Sandy Dennis, rounding out an impressive cast.
"God Told Me To" is a film inspired by Cohen's own views of the Bible and the works of Erich von Däniken, particularly his book "Chariots of the Gods?" Cohen believed that God, as depicted in the Bible, is one of the most violent characters in literary history. This film blends religious themes with sci-fi elements, creating a unique and terrifying experience.
Despite its unconventional nature, "God Told Me To" has gained a dedicated following among modern horror enthusiasts. Its bizarre surreality and strange sci-fi ideas only enhance its scariness, making it an unpredictable and nightmarish journey.
So, if you're ready to delve into a world where God and aliens intertwine, where reality bends, and where the line between horror and sci-fi blurs, "God Told Me To" awaits you on Prime Video. But be warned: this film will leave an impression, and you might just see the world a little differently afterward.
And here's the part most people miss: the film's music. Cohen initially wanted Bernard Hermann to compose the score, but Hermann was busy with Scorsese's "Taxi Driver." There's even a rumor that Miklós Rózsa turned down the opportunity to score the film, claiming that God told him not to.
So, what do you think? Is "God Told Me To" a masterpiece of cult cinema, or does it miss the mark? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
