Horror Villain Deconstruction - Pinhead

Pinhead - 'Hellraiser'

'Pinhead' is the main antagonist of the British Horror franchise 'Hellraiser', made in 1987. The movie was written and directed by Clive Barker. Pinhead is the leader of a species, which come from Hell, called the 'Cenobites'. Pinhead was once human, but was then transformed into a Cenobite, giving him his horrific appearance in which pins cover his entire head and face.

 

The physical appearance of Pinhead follows the idea of 'Body Horror', or biological horror. This is when a human is not anatomically correct, such as a strange disease/mutation/mutilation. Another example of a horror movie that uses this technique is 'Teeth' (2007). The geometrical placings of the pins that Pinhead is covered in also makes it more frightening, as it looks very deliberate and careful. Pinhead is presented to be a quiet character, but when speaks, is actually very intelligent and well spoken. He also has a very vacant expression, and eyes which are almost black, which makes his appearance and presentation more chilling.

In association with the time the first movie was released (1987), there was the coming motif of a decline in religious beliefs and a fear of the unknown in 1980s horror. The Cenobites in Hellraiser are from Hell, and in the movie this is where Kirsty sends them back. This links in to the idea of religion, as well at the trend of fear of the 'other' and the unknown. Religious ideas of Heaven and Hell are elements which are used in the movie, considering the Cenobites came from Hell, and there is an obvious theme of fear of the unknown. Pinhead is what would be classed as an 'other', as he is no longer human, and much like the other Cenobites, is threatening in appearance and in his motives.