The Surreal Horror-Comedy of Frank Hennenlotter

Frank Hennenlotter's films are trash.  They appeal to the basest of human desires: violence and sex.  His films are also funny, not unlike John Waters or  Lloyd Kaufman's Troma actually.  However, like Waters, and unlike Kaufman, there is a degree of sophistication to Hennenlotter's films.  In his heyday he rode the wave of surreal horror-comedies made popular in the home video scene by films like Stuart Gordon's Re-Animator.  Here are some quick reviews of Hennenlotter's most important films.

1. Basket Case (1982)
As much a story of the bond and love between siblings as much as it is a story of revenge and violence, Basket Case is the heartwarming tale of Duane and Belial, separated Siamese twins set out to kill the doctors who separated them.  At the same time, they are finding that they are very different in more ways than they'd like to admit.  A schlocky grindhouse flick with some actually poignant dramatic moments.
Here's the trailer. 

2. Frankenhooker (1990) the Brain that Wouldn't Die

 (1962), Frankenhooker is the story of love that never dies.  A med student tries to find a prostitute's body on which to put his dead lover's head.
The Brain that Wouldn't Die can be seen in its entirety here:


The trailer for Frankenhooker is below:


3. Bad Biology (2008)
Although released in the 2000s, Bad Biology is very much in keeping with Hennenlotter's films from the 80s and 90s stylistically.  It is a Shakesperian tragedy about star-crossed lover cursed with overactive, mutant genitals.  This film also has a great hip hop soundtrack thanks to co-producer R.A. the Rugged Man.
Here's the trailer: