The cultural dominance of superhero movies has several unpleasant effects. Any performer, filmmaker, or creator who works in the genre has their career boiled down to their comic book efforts. Stephen Norrington is well-known for directingBlade, itself drowned out by its far superior sequel, but his earlier efforts are fascinating. Take a look back atDeath Machine, a dodgy sci-fi splatter flick with some of the goofiest character names in cinematic history.
Bladewas always a strange entry in the superhero canon. It’s too late to be part of the Tim BurtonBatmanboom and too early to bepart of Marvel’s first efforts. Its unique place in the genre lends it more appreciation from fans sick of the default MCU aesthetic. Norrington’s vision was crucial to the appeal of the originalBlade.
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Who is Stephen Norrington?
Stephen Norrington was born in London in 1964. He’s not the most publicly available filmmaker of the modern era. He got into the film industry in the early 80s. Norrington was a special effects and makeup supervisor on a film calledGreystroke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes. The following year, he provided animatronic work onYoung Sherlock Holmes, presumably bringing creatures like the stained-glass knight to life. His big break came in 1986 when he worked on the creature effects team inAliens. He was arobotics technician onHardware, a creature effects designer onSplit Second, and a makeup supervisor onHellraiser: Bloodline. Norrington would work onAlien 3andResurrection. Tired of his successful special effects work, he stepped into the director’s chair in 1994.
Norrington’s career as a director has been marked by failure and missed opportunities. His debut wasDeath Machine, which was banned in several countries and edited beyond his tastes. Four years later, he directedBlade, which became a hit and landed Norrington on a short list of sought-after directors. Norrington is reportedly difficult to work with. He supposedly turned downBlade II,directed by Guillermo del Toroand widely considered far superior to its predecessor. Norrington was attached to direct film adaptations ofGhost RiderandShang-Chi, both of which would later be released without him. In 2002, he stepped up to direct the long-dreaded American remake ofAkira. Everything changed in 2003. Norrington’s newest comic book adaptation,The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, flopped at the box office. He stepped up to direct remakes ofClash of the TitansandThe Crowbut never finished them. Norrington returned to visual effects and sculpting work for the past 20 years, never directing a film again. Few stars have risen and fallen as quickly as Stephen Norrington’s, but it’s hard to argue that most of his unfinished projects belong in the trash can they stayed in.
What isDeath Machineabout?
Like a lot of sci-fi horror films of the era,Death Machineis abroad knock-off ofRobocopwith a fair amount ofAlienthrown in for flavor. A corrupt weapons manufacturer calledChaank Armamentsunleashes a cyborg super soldier called Hard Man onto an unsuspecting public, killing dozens and drawing attention to their illicit behavior. Hayden Cale, the new CEO of Chaank, demands a broad policy of open books and transparency. Scott Ridley, the chairman of the board, insists on keeping secrets to avoid his company’s numerous transgressions coming to light. Cale struggles to make changes, primarily attempting to get a visibly unhinged weapons developer named Jack Dante fired. Ridley andsecurity director John Carpenterfight Cale at every turn. Cale discovers that her predecessor was killed after digging into Dante.
Yes, most of the characters in the film are named after popular film directors or obvious references. Cale lifts Ridley’s security card to investigate Dante. When the scientist finds out, he kills Ridley. Cale learns the mysterious weapon that killed Ridley and her predecessor is hidden in a distant vault. She locks down the vault and fires Dante. Dante prepares to shoot Cale, but he’s interrupted by a trio of eco-warriors, Raimi,Weyland, and Yutani, whobreak in and take the complex hostage. Dante tricks them into opening the vault, releasing his pet monster, the Warbeast.
How doesDeath Machineend?
Raimi, Weyland, Yutani, Cale, and Carpenter are pitted against the Warbeast. The beast kills Weyland, sending Raimi and Yutani running for their lives. Carpenter sacrifices himself as Cale, Yutani, and Raimi reach the building’s restricted top floor. They discover hidden weapons, including discarded parts fromthe Hard Man system. Raimi arms himself and downloads the combat data into his brain. He fights the Warbeast, giving Yutani and Cale time to escape. Yutani falls and dies at the beast’s hands. Cale and Raimi reach the surface, but the Warbeast follows them. Raimi partially incapacitates the Warbeast, but the resulting explosion renders him unconscious. The Warbeast drags Cale to Dante’s lair. Raimi wakes up as Dante taunts Cale. Hesubdues the mad scientist, escapes with Cale, and traps Dante with the Warbeast.
Death Machineis a mess, but it’s a fun watch for fans of the genre. Stephen Norrington’s career remains one of the most fascinating falls from grace in the industry.Death Machineand his special effects know-how got himBlade.Bladecould have earnedhim anything, but he blew all that goodwill on his next big project. It’s a shame, butDeath Machinewas always a better examination of his work as a filmmaker. It’s made of decent borrowed ideas, good special effects, and a mindless adaptation of someone else’s ideas.
