JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonCorey Haim – A Nostalgic Loss
March 10th 2010 23:40
Category: Film News and Views
A Lost Boy Lost
Corey and the Frog Brothers
John Doe woke up this morning to the depressing news that former child star Corey Haim has died at the age of 38. Typically when JD is inspired to pen a eulogy it is to reminisce about the deceased's filmography and to lament what could have been or the legacy left behind. But in this case Johnny emotions are decidedly different. The actor’s passing is more of a nostalgic sorrow than the disappearance of an 80’s icon. Kind of like losing a school friend who for a short period of time you saw every day then you grew apart.
As a teen watching The Lost Boys and Lucas so many times that the VHS tape broke, the little Socially Rejected - Vampire Hunter became a buddy to hang out with after school and on weekends. (Yep Johnny’s adolescent years were that lonely.) Not that his was the strongest presence in his films but the cherub personality and abundant charisma meant he was always noticed as part of the gang.
Showing potential as Lucas
It really is impossible to talk about Corey without referring to the other Corey. The casual chemistry between Haim and Corey Feldman in there many collaborations like Dream a Little Dream and License to Drive was so rich it was easy to forget that they were playing fictional characters and believe they were best pals caught in a movie adventure. Crossing over into a warped reality that must have triggered identity crisis, it was as a pair that they seemed complete and relatable rather than two separate entities.
Anyone who has followed the Haimster over the last decade can’t be too surprised by today’s reports. His personal issues and struggles with addiction triggered by a level of fame that exceeded talent have been well publicized. Abused as a child, exploited by the corporate machine and forced to subsist on past spotlight moments, watch any episode of the short lived reality show “The Two Coreys” and it becomes painfully clear that he was his own worst enemy.
Here is a therapy session from “The Two Corey’s” where you see a saboteur whose own ego and persona was cemented by peaking in childhood and never gaining adult credibility.
The autopsy has not been completed yet, so speculation on prescription drug addiction, over dose and suicide are just rumors. For Johnny it is irrelevant what finally put the nail in the coffin and even less appropriate to judge, but being just 6 months younger than Doe and having such a strong presence in his youth this latest statistic has had a surprising impact. One that he wanted to share with genuine emotion without insulting the memory…hope that line was walked.
Corey Haim R.I.P.
Step back in time with John Doe and revisit Lucas, IMO Corey Haim's finest screen performance.
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Comment by Daishin
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
The Lost Boys is how most will remember Corey Haim.
His most renowned films are all in his early career and most are super lite fare. Check out Silver Bullet, Watchers, License to Drive and Dream a Little Dream to get an overview,
As I mentioned in my post Lucas is a must see event!
Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
For that tiny window in time the Two Corey's were the ideal prescription for 80's teens. There shtick was honed and entertaining and it will be interesting to see if the younger generation appreciate their wares in the way it effected me at 13 years old.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
The Haimster was a part of all us 80's teens childhoods...a time we can never get back.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
It is a shame he never could have a "normal" life, the vicious nature of Hollywood is never clearer than when Child Stars self destruct.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Corey sure had his moment didn't he! Lucas is the best place to start with Haim, plus it has Keri Green which is always a good thing.
Comment by Mountain Fog
this is a fine tribute.
I was not a fan really, but everyone, especially those putting themselves in the creative spotlight, deserve some respect and acknowledgement for their contribution to the arts.
cheers and good on you JD.
fog
Comment by Frank B
He is probably so caught up in interviews and preparations for his best friend that he hasn't taken the time to really grieve his loss. This was his brother, his best friend, his soul connection & probably the only person on earth that he could tell anything to without fear. Don't tell him that he will find a new best friend, instead work with him to find a way to make Cory Haim's life have meaning.
There are so many "kids" in the Film, TV & Music industries who are being set up to fall just like Cory.
Hot commodities who's only worth is how much money they can make for the Industry and when the cash flow ebbs, they are put out with the trash and all the "Love" disappears. How terrible this must feel to these kids to be loved and adored one day and put out and ignored the next and the only thing that makes you forget are drugs and alcohol.
Rest in Peace Cory Haim!Your text gYour text goes hereoes here
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
A surprise for me too.
I never thought of Haim as a great actor, but never realized how much a part of my life his films were. I haven't seen most of them for over 20 years, but The Lost Boys is still an entertaining guilty pleasure. A postcard to 80's fashion, music and hairdo's...But if you do watch only one Haim film, Lost Boys is probably the most memorable, though Lucas is his best work.
A lot died in the 90's too, but I wouldn't argue it feels like there is more carnage in the new millennium...Certainly a hell of a lot of celebs pulling an Elvis and O.D'ing on prescription medication.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
The prescription pill thing is so under discussed too, yet they prove time and again to be lethal in the hands of addictive personalities.