I remember either my parents or a member of the family had the video of Harlequin (1980), and it always fascinated me, that painted harlequin face on the cover. Shot in Western Australia but the film’s producers keep it vague for the international markets: all the cops and security guards talk with American accents. The opening sequence re-stages a Harold Holt disappearance of a politician when he goes swimming, which sets up a story that blends political conspiracy with supernatural machinations. It’s a modern day Rasputin tale: David Hemmings is the senator next in line to power with the dying son who is revived by a stranger’s presence, Gregory Wolf, played by Robert Powell as a mysterious glam styled magician with painted nails and costumes worthy of a Superman II villain. The big lesson here? Never trust a magician at a child’s birthday part. Flirts with sleazy sex and grotesque violence but never quite goes all the way, clearly influenced by The Omen. An unusual thriller with curious moments – at times, feels like either things were cut out, is too confused or it tried to cover too much. Pretty much worth it for Powell’s suaveness and its wacky horror tropes and special effects (the Harlequin levitating in that colourful outfit is a great good/bad movie moment). Also known as Dark Forces. Directed by Simon Wincer (Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man, The Phantom) and written by Everett DeRoche (Long Weekend, Roadgames). Available to stream on Tubi.
VHS Tracking 