Non-Consenting Neophyte: Silent Night, Deadly Night 4 - Initiation (1990)
My dear readers, I must say I have always admired individuals who set their sights on a professional goal and then simply dive right after the thing. These “go getters,” as they are they are sometimes called, simply will not abide by any barrier that stands between them and their ambitions. My distant relative Ignatius Hauntedhouse was such an individual and early in his career he decided that the attention of his peers was something to be pursued with great gusto. And so he would arise early each morning, arriving to work with his trusty pistol well-oiled and polished, and after a rather packed schedule of shadowing suspected scofflaws and educating misguided citizens on various statutes, Ignatius would end his daily labors by chasing down the roughest characters and visiting upon them a physical form of justice that put more than a few witnesses off of their evening porridge. It was a fairly liberal interpretation of how an accounting clerk should spend their workday and while not all of the opinions were positive, one could certainly say that Ignatus’ behavior made an impression on the other chaps in the office.
She can also do a rabbit and a dove
Kim Levitt (Neith Hunter) knows all about proving herself to her co-workers. She is a tenacious young journalist living in Los Angeles and though she feels she could contribute to the world of reportage on a more meaningful level, a chauvinist cabal at her office has condemned her to work on classified advertisements. But Kim is not the sort to let the men in her life tell her what’s what, oh, no! Instead of keeping her head down and her lips clamped, she pursues a local case all on her own, one that combines the tragedy of suicide with the excitement of spontaneous combustion. It seems a woman was found in the street partially consumed by fire only moments after leaping from a building and authorities have been able to provide few satisfying answers about how such an event transpired.
Kim senses a promising lead in the company of Fima (Maud Adams), whose bookstore was the very site of her subject’s demise. Luckily, Kim gains all the access she needs, as Fima is a very willing interview subject and even seems eager to introduce Kim to her social circle. All the time she spends away from the classifieds eventually catches the attention of Kim’s editor Eli (Reggie Bannister). Rather than get cross about the whole thing, as some might expect given the sexist atmosphere that has flourished under his reign, Eli encourages Kim to continue her unsolicited investigation. It is quite the professional opportunity and one can certainly understand her willingness follow the story wherever it might lead. And so when keeping Fima and her set satisfied becomes integral to uncovering the truth, Kim ingests insects, endures sexual assault, regurgitates strange organisms and undergoes a physical metamorphosis, all in the noble service of the Fourth Estate.
The film’s many unsettling images include shots of Clint Howard
I imagine there are some who, having seen the previous offerings in the Silent Night, Deadly Night franchise, might find cause for complaint over this particular entry’s passing connection to both Christmas and the preceding films. Aside from the occasional nutcracker or bedecked verdure there are scant symbols from the season and not a single person falls victim to a madman in gay apparel. Even counterculture icon Monte Hellman, who took the series in a notably different direction with the third installment, still managed to include at least one murderous Santa scene. But while the film is not exactly overflowing with overt Noel imagery, director Brian Yuzna’s central message fits in nicely with the holiday. At its core, Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation is a felicitous reminder that while the old Yultide is the most headline friendly of December’s offerings, there are a wide variety of religions who have some claim over this time of year.
Some people celebrate Hanukkah, some people observe Kwanzaa and some people try to impregnate a non-consenting neophyte with infernal parasites. No matter how you go about ringing in the “holiday season,” it is important to keep tolerance close at hand and respect the differences that may emerge between us and our neighbors.
Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation runs 90 minutes and is rated R.
