In the film he wear’s a long overcoat, while in the book he is clad in a brightly colored patchwork outfit which even the main character considers to look ridiculous (which is likely why it didn’t make the transition to film). I guess first and foremost, it should be noted that Candyman as he appeared in “The Forbidden” was actually a white guy with long blonde hair and incredibly pale skin. Be warned, however: there be spoilers ahead. However, just for the sake of doing it, I’ll list the differences I noticed below. All the recognizable elements and story structure are present, but Candyman takes them all and just makes them better. I’ve taken the time to read “The Forbidden” (it’s very short only 102 pages) and while I found it to be a good read, much like “The Hellbound Heart” was to Hellraiser, it really felt like nothing more than a prototype for Candyman. This combination of normalcy with subtly unsettling features, as well as Candyman’s more over-the-top scare gimmicks (such as clouds of bees in his chest and a rusted hook for a hand), make for one of the most memorable horror villains to come out of the 90’s. He has a very “everyman” kind of presence, save for an unearthly voice which really brings the chills. Tony Todd’s performance should not be understated, however. I found myself squirming in my seat a couple of times, as she really sells it. You really do feel for her as her life comes crashing down in all the worst ways. In that respect, Virginia Madsen carries the movie marvelously. Though he’s the title villain, Candyman is still second to the lead, Helen. It works exceptionally well, really playing on the urban legend angle that drives most of the story. When I was a kid, we called it “Bloody Mary” you turn off the lights, say the ghost’s name five times into a mirror and it will supposedly come and “get you”. As Helen’s life falls to pieces around her, Candyman prepares to make her a part of his legend.īased on Clive Barker’s short story “The Forbidden”, Candyman takes that original source and weaves in one of the more well-known urban legends we should all be acquainted with in some form or another. Helen soon finds herself blamed for several of the Candyman’s most recent murders as well as the kidnapping of a baby.

The deeper she digs, the more bizarre the tale becomes until eventually she summons Candyman himself (Tony Todd).

She follows the stories to the nearby projects only to find that the residents are hiding a terrible secret.

A local one in particular, the legend of Candyman, manages to pique her interest. Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) is a grad student at the University of Chicago writing a thesis on urban legends. Listen to the latest episode of the AIPT Movies Podcast!

The forbidden clive barker full story