This Element of the Original ‘Crow’ is Its Greatest Strength

With the remake of ‘The Crow’, starring Bill Skarsgård and FKA Twigs, set to hit theatres, it’s a perfect time to revisit the original 1994 film that celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Directed by Alex Proyas, this goth cult classic, featuring Brandon Lee, has had a lasting impact on ’90s cinema and beyond, largely due to its unique visual style, which was a result of its limited budget.

The film’s grim narrative explores themes of vengeance and darkness. It follows Eric Draven (played by Lee), a goth musician, who, along with his fiancée Shelly Webster (Sofia Shinas), is brutally attacked and killed by a gang of arsonists on “Devil’s Night” in Detroit. A year later, thanks to the supernatural powers of a crow, Eric is resurrected to seek revenge. Based on James O’Barr’s black-and-white comic series, the film’s gripping story has inspired several sequels and a series.

Image Courtesy: The Movie Elite

Despite the challenges in securing studio support for ‘The Crow’, Jeff Most, a co-producer, was determined to stay true to the comic’s dark essence. After facing numerous rejections for being “too dark,” Most found a crucial supporter in Ed Pressman, who helped bring the project to life.

The film’s tight budget, set at $23 million, posed difficulties but also led to creative solutions. Production designer Alex McDowell noted that these constraints forced the team to innovate, resulting in the use of miniatures for expansive cityscape shots and a strong adherence to the comic’s high-contrast, shadowy aesthetic. This approach successfully captured the noir and punk influences of O’Barr’s work.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

‘The Crow’ remains a testament to the power of creative passion and resourcefulness. The film’s striking visuals, from Draven’s haunting makeup to the gritty, atmospheric sets, continue to resonate with audiences. 

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Paramount Home Entertainment has released a documentary featuring retrospective interviews with the original creative team, shedding light on the film’s enduring legacy and its impact on goth culture. The new remake aims to capture the original’s melancholic beauty, a testament to the lasting influence of Lee’s final performance.

–Farheen Ali