Popular “everyone” actor Bill Paxton was on the move in the 1990s. From Tombstone until Apollo 13and twister until TitanicPaxton starred in some of the biggest films of the decade. But he had long wanted to be a director and seized the opportunity to experience the gothic twists of vulnerability. Paxton also starred as a widower who dragged his sons into a spiritual mission to destroy demons. The result was both impressive and nerve-wracking. This is why we think you should see it vulnerabilityBill Paxton’s overlooked and underrated horror film.
A different kind of horror
For a movie that is routinely classified as horror, it’s important to give some context to: vulnerabilitythe 2001 issue. After the horror milestones of the 1970s, most notably: the exorcist, the omen, careerand The shining, the genre has largely transitioned into a series of endless sequels to slasher movies in the 1980s. In the 1990s, there were few popular horror movies, with only the parody scream find widespread success.
vulnerability was part of a new generation of horror films that were purposefully less gory and more psychological. It could just as easily be called a thriller, although mostly low-key, as mysterious as anything until the very end. Yes, there are murders, but what viewers see (with one notable exception) is the reactions of others, not the victims. Blood is shown afterwards, on clothing and weapons, leaving the audience in horror as they ponder the characters’ deadly choices. Perhaps most disturbing is the power a father has over his children and the abuse that can result from someone truly committed to a sacred quest.
A talented cast
Because vulnerability is so character-oriented, its success depended heavily on the cast. Paxton is chill as a nondescript mechanic who takes on an extraordinary assignment in a quiet town. Two young actors, Matt O’Leary and Jeremy Sumpter, co-starred with him in a series of increasingly shocking flashback scenes that played his sons. It was one of their first projects, and after proving themselves, they have continued to work regularly, albeit quietly, for the next two decades.
The window story is dominated by two popular actors, both Texans and Paxton. Powers Boothe was known for his tough law enforcement and military roles, so it’s not unexpected to find him here as an FBI agent. Mainman Matthew McConaughey isn’t entirely a surprise either, though he was about to enter a phase of his career best known for romantic comedies, including The Wedding Planner and How to Lose a Man in 10 Daysso a horror appearance was (and remains) rare.
Claustrophobic locations
For a first time director, Bill Paxton was able to unexpectedly attract top talent for vulnerability, and not only artists, but also crew members. Example, Director of Photography Bill Butler. Butler was a legendary Oscar-nominated cinematographerfamous for One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and jaws. Nearly 80 years old at the time of filming, he brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the production.
As Texas is increasingly seen on film due to the threat of its wide-open spaces and who (or what) they might contain, in vulnerability, Butler and Paxton force us into closed locations for essentially the entire movie. From a small office and a tiny house to an old barn and its garbage can, plus the interior of a police car driving through the rain, people afraid of cramped spaces will feel uncomfortable anywhere. But these closed, often dark places add to the tension and remind us that the characters feel trapped, with seemingly no choice but to do what they do.
Multiple Revelations
Audience that saw vulnerability when it opened in 2001, may have suspected an end to a twist. It was a time when they had become very popular, especially in the wake of The Sixth Sense in 1999 and keepsake in 2000. While clearly a resurgence, this was nothing new. Classic examples date from The cabinet of Dr. Caligaria in 1920 and burger Kane‘Rosebud’ in 1941.
But even savvy viewers probably won’t expect the multiple twists revealed in the final act of vulnerability. In fact, the ending is the most criticized aspect of the film. It continues a long tradition of an unreliable storyteller, with roots in literature and theater likely going back to the dawn of storytelling. But would it have been more impactful, more horrifying, even if there had been at least one less revelation? You will have to decide for yourself, but you may have to look more than once.
A lasting legacy
Bill Paxton died of a fatal stroke on February 25, 2017, after multiple heart surgeries. Although he had achieved success on television, he only directed one more film after vulnerabilitythe somewhat less original (although generally still well received) The best game ever played in 2005. That late vulnerability to carry much of Paxton’s directorial legacy, and it holds up pretty well, especially for an inaugural effort. The film continues to enjoy highly positive aggregate reviews from both critics and audiences. It was popular enough to get a Blu-ray release in 2009 and has been available to stream ever since.
Perhaps more importantly, vulnerability is an important part of Southern Gothic in film. Falling out of favor after classics like A tram called desire and The Night of the Hunterhelped Paxton pave the way for more recent entries like winter bone and the remake of the seducednot to mention alumnus McConaughey’s turn on the series real detective. Current horror king Jordan Peelealso owes a lot to movies like vulnerabilitybecause he is the last to succeed with films that are not only scary, but also smart and socially thoughtful.