Get Injected With a ‘Brain Damage’ Tattoo

Brain Damage was Frank Henenlotter’s second feature comedy horror film featuring yet another unique creepy creature.

With a considerably larger budget than his first feature film, Basket Case, Henenlotter chose to once again film in New York City. Brain Damage had an April 1988 theatrical release, and was available on home media (Betamax and VHS) just three months later.

The film follows Aylmer. a blue worm-like parasite, which injects a fluid from its mouth directly into the brain of its human host.

Brian, the film’s protagonist, falls victim to Aylmer, quickly finding himself addicted to the euphoric feeling and hallucinations he experiences when injected. No money exchanges hands, rather Brian must allow Aylmer to feed on the brains of humans. It’s not quite selling your soul to the devil, but along similar lines of morality.

Brain Damage is symbolic of escapism (whatever the vice may be) and both the difficulty of withdrawal and the inevitable relapse. Tragically, Brian’s actions at the conclusion of the film lead to irreversible, literal brain damage and subsequent death in order to finally free himself from Aylmer.

Avoid the adverse reaction of Aylmer injecting you with an addictive fluid and instead head to your favourite artist for a Brain Damage themed tattoo.