Popular horror novelist Steven Lessey (Stephen Young) seems to have it all. A picture-perfect family, a successive series of novels, and now a row of popular horror movie adaptations that he co-wrote. But now the pressure is getting too tight as he finds himself with writer’s block. Daydreaming to find the right idea that will be pure terror and not marketable crap. But as his deadline gets closer his life starts to fall apart with a disastrous lecture, his wife’s drug addiction, and a horrifying family tragedy.

Deadline (1980, but some sources list it as 1979 or 1984),  is an interesting film that misses the mark with its execution. Some nice ideas are thrown around, but many of the central themes don’t stick. This mostly comes to tone, which plays up the melodrama and the decay of the family. The problem is that the character of Stephen is just too unlikeable. From the get-go he just comes off as stuffy and angry. His background isn’t explored enough to make us care. There is no soft side or moments of happiness to make the horror truly scary. So we’re left with a sour tone with miserable characters who just seem too self-absorbed to figure out their issues. 

The horror elements also take too long to click. There never properly established as daydreams or visions, just random and schlocky. Which is odd since the screenplay keeps pointing out trashy horror movies. In the interview on this disc, Producer Henry Less mentions how he wanted to make a great anti-horror horror movie. The idea is interesting but underdeveloped. Instead the tone feels condescending and preachy about the dangers of horror films. An earlier scene even has college students shout this. But are they the villains? Or is Stephen the bad guy?

Deadline is probably a film that will improve with multiple viewings. It was produced during the heyday of tax shelter productions in Canda. Many of these exploitation films have been lovely labeled as Canuxploitation by fans. The direction is mostly solid. Director Mario Azzopardi keeps the character scenes interesting. The best moments come from Stephen’s agent (Marvin Goldhar), where you can feel growing stress as Stephen tries to avoid him and his questions. Most of the character moments are solid, even if the main character just seems bitter from the start. Azzopardi would later make a more consistent movie about a writer, played by Rutger Hauer with 1998’s Bone Daddy. In terms of effects there is a healthy amount of candy-colored red blood. 

In terms of performances, Stephen Young (a producer on the underrated thriller The Silent Partner) is doing a great job. He has a quiet intensity and moments of surprising rage. He also happens to look like David Soul in Tobe Hooper’s version of Salem’s Lot. His best work in the film happens in the last few scenes. Sharon Masters (Bonnie’s Kids) steals the show as Stephen’s coke-addicted wife. One of the best moments is when she sneaks off to a back room to enjoy some nose candy. When her husband walks in on her and two other men, she at first mocks him and then starts singing white Christmas as she pours some coke on the table.  In the supporting roles, Marvin Goldhar is a delight as the money-hungry agent/ producer. Jeannie Elias (The Canuxploitation classic The Pit) is also hilarious as the temperamental actress Darlene Winters. Also horror fans will enjoy Cindy Hinds as Stephen’s daughter, fresh off her work in David Cronenberg’s family drama masterpiece The Brood. 

Vinegar Syndrome has recused another interesting film and brought it to glory on Blu-ray. The print has been newly scanned in 2K from 35mm vault elements. The end result is pretty impressive. The 1080p HD transfer shows some natural film grain. It’s not too heavy and the print has some minor damage. The black levels are smooth. Some background elements are a little foggy, but the focus shows some impressive details. Textures of clothes are visible and flesh tones look great.

The disc offers two audio options. First up is the English DTS-HD Master Audio track. There is no hiss or pops. Music sounds great while some chunks of dialogue seem muffled. This may be from poor mic placement. The second track is the English Dolby Digital Stereo. The audio is a little softer with smooth effects but even quieter dialogue. English subtitles are included.

In terms of Extras we get two interviews.

• “Producing Something Horrific” is an interview with Producer Henry Less. Less covers his start in the film and tv business, how he met director Mario Azzopardi, Clashing with the director during the edit, and their time at the Cannes film festival in 1981. It’s a solid interview with Less coming off as a nice and down to earth guy.
• “Embracing the Horror” is an interview with cinematographer Manfred Guthe. He talks about his beginnings, his interest in theater, and his ultimate decision to be a cinematographer. 
• The disc itself comes with nice reservable cover art.

This Blu-ray and DVD combo have identical extras on the DVD.

Deadline is an enjoyable drama. It may improve with later viewings, but as for this first go, it seems oddly focused. Troubled but still enjoyable, it’s worth taking a look. Recommended. 

Director- Mario Azzopardi

Cast- Stephen Young, Sharon Masters

Country of Origin- Canada

Discs- 2

Distributor- Vinegar Syndrome

Reviewer- Tyler Miller