The release of Ti West’s X marked the beginning of a trilogy that transformed Mia Goth into a contemporary scream queen. In her role as Maxine, Goth portrays an aspiring actress who dives into the porn industry to get closer to her dreams of stardom. However, the film also introduces an unexpected antagonist: an elderly woman named Pearl, played by Goth wearing prosthetics.
For the second installment, Pearl, West delves into the backstory of this antagonist, revealing her origins as a killer. This film quickly gained popularity, with fans dressing up as Pearl and sharing her impactful monologues online. Despite her heinous actions, Pearl embodies the struggles of a young woman with unfulfilled dreams and desires, a theme that many can relate to on a personal level.
The trilogy has been celebrated for its nods to classic horror films. While X draws inspiration from movies like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Psycho, Pearl takes a different direction, echoing the Technicolor aesthetics of films like The Wizard of Oz, reflecting the glitzy cinematic dreams that Pearl yearns for.
Interestingly, there seems to be a subtle homage to a lesser-known low-budget horror film from 1974, Lisa, Lisa (also known as Axe or The California Axe Massacre). The visual parallels between Pearl and Lisa, Lisa are striking, suggesting that West may have been influenced by this cult classic.
Directed by newcomer Frederick R. Friedel, Lisa, Lisa follows three criminals seeking refuge in a remote house after committing murder. They encounter a seemingly vulnerable teenage girl, unaware that she possesses the same capacity for violence. Despite its low production values of just $25,000 and a runtime of just over an hour, the film creates an unsettling atmosphere with its sparse dialogue and haunting musical motifs.
While the narratives differ significantly, Pearl appears to borrow visual elements from Lisa, Lisa. Both films include similar shots of characters wielding axes, viewed from a low-angle perspective that evokes a sense of victimhood. Additionally, scenes of both Lisa and Pearl pushing their ill family members in wheelchairs share a striking resemblance, as do moments where they find twisted joy in mundane activities like playing with eggs.
Considering West’s appreciation for horror, it’s unlikely that the similarities are purely coincidental. He seems to pay tribute to a forgotten ‘70s indie horror film that revels in its dismal violence and features a surprisingly ruthless protagonist.
What do you think?
Show comments / Leave a comment