Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

After 11 years, "Jacob's Ladder" still remains on my personal top three movies of all-time list. Upon its release in 1990, critics dismissed "Jacob's Ladder" as a failed experiment by Lyne, simply because they were accustomed to his relatively lighter works. Fortunately for a film of this caliber, "Jacob's Ladder" is quickly snowballing up fans who dare to watch something different than what they usually see. Make no mistake, "Jacob's Ladder" is considered by the intelligent audience to be among mainstream's top films of the 90's, and rightfully so. It's not often that a mainstream director gambles his success for the development of a real work of art.

The plot of "Jacob's Ladder" is difficult for me to describe without ruining it for the reader. So, I'll just say that this is a story about a man (Tim Robbins) who needs to come to grips with his own life in order to "cleanse his soul." There are core elements that he needs to deal with, such as his experience in Vietnam, his job as a postal worker, brushes with the supernatural (or are they hallucinations *insert spooky music*), and the past death of his son. It works, trust me...

The flavor of this film is mixing pot of psychological thriller, mystery suspense, supernatural horror, family drama, and minor dashes of Spanish surrealism. Quite surprisingly, this combination of genre elements works very well...almost...too well. In fact, it works SO well that I wouldn't suggest watching this film if you've recently had anything dreary or tragic happen to you. You will be in somewhat of a drained mood for hours (possibly days) after witnessing the story of Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins), so make sure that you pick your time to see it wisely.

Perhaps the best gift a screen writer and director can give their audience is faith; specifically, faith that an audience is intelligent enough to engage the story with a readiness to draw their own inferences. You don't have to be a genius to enjoy it, and the viewing experience isn't an "active" one like in Bunuel's films, but you DO need to connect your own dots. That said, if you don't like to use your mind while watching films, "Jacob's Ladder" is not for you.

I recommend this film to people who are into horror/suspense, thrillers, and/or philosophical films. DO NOT watch this movie if you are easily disturbed, easily depressed, or have a short attention span. "Jacob's Ladder" is a reflective, yet dreary film so please pick your time and place of viewing wisely...it WILL affect you (whether it be postively or negatively is up to you alone).

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: None of the Above
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age