Jacob's Ladder poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Peņa, Danny Aiello, Matt Craven, Pruitt Taylor Vince ... see more see more... , Ving Rhames , Macaulay Culkin , Jason Alexander , Patricia Kalember , Eriq La Salle , Brian Tarantina , Anthony Alessandro , Brent Hinkley , Elizabeth Abassi , Becky Ann Baker , Doug Barron , Stephanie Berry , Lewis Black , Nora Burns , John Capodice , Thomas A. Carlin , Scott Cohen , Sam Coppola , B.J. Donaldson , Christopher John Fields , John Louis Fischer , Ann Pearl Gary , Kyle Gass , Alison Gordy , John-Martin Green , Barbara Gruen , Brad Hamlet , Gloria Irizarry , Diane Kagan , Holly Kennedy , Brian Larkin , Bellina Logan , A.M. Marxuach , Reggie Mc Fadden , John Patrick McLaughlin , S. Epatha Merkerson , Byron Minns , Chris Murphy , Billie Neal , Evan O'Meara , Jaime Perry , Joe Quintero , Antonia Rey , James Ellis Reynolds , Arleigh Richards , Jessica Roberts , Patty Rosborough , Jan Saint , Carol Schneider , Suzanne Shepherd , Dion Simmons , Kisha Skinner , Mike Stokie , Blanche Irwin Stuart , Raymond Anthony Thomas , Davidson Thomson , Michael Tomlinson , Alva Williams , Perry Lang , Dennis Green

A tortured man finds himself caught in a middle-ground between hallucination and reality in this supernatural thriller, scripted by Bruce Joel Rubin of Ghost (1990) and My Life (1993).Jacob Singer (Ti... read more read more...m Robbins) is a soldier stationed in Vietnam who undergoes a traumatic experience on the battlefield - the nature of which is initially unclear. The film then moves into his post-Vietnam experience in 1970s New York, where he feels consistently traumatized, but can never quite remember exactly what happened to him in Southeast Asia or to free himself from his anxieties over the recent tragic death of his young son (Macaulay Culkin). Though well educated, Jacob works as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and has become romantically involved with one of his co-workers, Jezzie (Elizabeth Pena), after divorcing his wife. Soon, Jacob's tenuous hold on reality starts to slip as horrifying events befall him; he is nearly run over by a subway train, pursued by faceless demons in cars, and spots reptilian tails and horns protruding from the bodies of those he encounters. Jacob also suffers severe panic attacks related to the chaos that may be reality, or may exist only in his mind. He seeks counsel from Louis (Danny Aiello), a kindly chiropractor, as his ex-wife Sarah (Patricia Kalember), fellow Vietnam vet Paul (Pruitt Taylor Vince), and enigmatic stranger Michael (Matt Craven) all try to help the tortured soul. Jason Alexander, Ving Rhames and Eriq LaSalle highlight the supporting cast. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

81% liked it

49,019 ratings

Critics

70% liked it

46 critics

R, 1 hr. 56 min.

Directed by: Adrian Lyne

Release Date: November 2, 1990

Keywords: war, horror, scary

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: September 14, 2010

Get It:

Stats: 3,228 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

Jacob's Ladder Poster Cover Tim Robbins' ice bath Jacob's Ladder sleeve Jacob's Ladder Jacob's Ladder Elizabeth Pena Jacob's Ladder Jacob's Ladder Jacob's Ladder Elizabeth Pena Jacob's Ladder Jacob's Ladder
Upload a Photo | View All Jacob's Ladder Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (3,228)

  • flixsterman
    March 24, 2012
    flixsterman
    This is good psychological horror toying with the possibility of being great psychological horror. It never quite gets there, but it comes very, very close.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    June 15, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    Jacob's Ladder is one of the best psychological horror films that I have seen. Supported by a great cast, Jacob's Ladder is a creepy film. A man suffers from hallucinations after returning from the Vietnam war. The film is haunting and powerful and is a different type of horror f... read moreilm that blends elements of the supernatural. Jacob's Ladder is a superbly crafted film that is one intense ride through one mans conscience. Superbly acted by Tim Robbins, Jacob's Ladder successfully makes the audience uncomfortable as we see the main character, Jacob Singer go through these eerie hallucinations. Jacob's Ladder is an accomplished film with a powerful story and a strong cast. The film is not your typical horror as it is a psychological horror film. The films delivers the chills it promises and the story is well developed with well defined characters. Overall this is solid filmmaking Adrian Lyne has crafted the psychological horror film to see. This film is far better than any other genre film that came after it and it delivers a creepy vibe that you won't easily forget. Jacob's Ladder is the film that defined the term psychological horror, and it does it by delivering something an audience has never seen before. Jacob's Ladder is a film not to miss. This is one of Tim Robbin's best performances along with The Shawshank Redemption. Jacob's Ladder redefined and reinvented the horror genre, and by watching it, you'll understand why.
  • 366weirdmovies
    January 11, 2011
    366weirdmovies
    A Vietnam War veteran (Tim Robbins) starts seeing demonic faces and hallucinating, while at the same time some of his old army buddies are turning up dead. He becomes paranoid that the Washington brass are hiding a secret revolving around the day he was wounded as his squad was ... read moreslaughtered in the field. Psychological drama is worthwhile due to some intense hallucination sequences, but the film would have benefitted from more misdirection in the early reels to make the big revelation feel like a climax instead of an anticlimax.
  • gokhale1
    November 24, 2010
    gokhale1
    If movies rife with lurid and surreal imagery interest you, then "Jacob's Ladder" should be on your must-see movies list.

    This, seriously creepy, dark psychological thriller, directed by Adriane Lyne is a work of hallucinatory brilliance, and also one of his best, yet criminal... read morely underrated.

    Jacob Singer(Tim Robbins) is a Vietnam War veteran who lives in New York City with his girlfriend Jezebel(Elizabeth Pena). We soon come to know that he was married but is separated from his wife Sarah. Jacob lives a seemingly normal life, and keeps visiting his friend and chiropractor Louis (Danny Aiello) from time to time. But this supposedly usual scheme of things seems to take a scary turn when he starts seeing bizarre things around him. He cannot tell whether those things really exist or are merely a hallucination. He also keeps having haunting visions of his war experience and the memories of his dead son and former wife. Little by little, he realizes that he is slowly losing his grip on reality...

    "Jacob's Ladder" has a beautifully bleak atmosphere throughout that is essential for the story being told. Jeffrey L. Kimball's cinematography further strengthens this quality of the film. The war sequences from Jacob's memories are shown in a colour tone distinct from the present.

    Maurice Jarre's chilling background score also sets the perfect mood for this film.

    Adriane Lyne directs brilliantly, considering this is his first and only film in the genre. He packs in some spectacularly ghastly, disturbing imagery that is certain to give other so-called horror flicks a run for their money. Wish he would make more films like this.

    Tim Robbins, familiar to millions already, gives one of his finest performances in this film. The growing confusion about the mysterious on-goings around him and his gradual slipping away into insanity are wonderfully portrayed by the talented actor.

    Supporting actors do a great job as well.

    Elizabeth Pena is great; it is strange one doesn't see much of her.

    Pruitt Taylor Vince, Jason Alexander, Danny Aiello, Matt Craven and Ving Rhames appear in small roles but deliver very impressive performances.

    Do watch "Jacob's Ladder". It is an unforgettable ride through hell!

    Highly recommended!
  • bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb1
    June 24, 2010
    bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb1
    good, scary movie. B+
  • SirPant
    September 18, 2009
    SirPant
    Creepy psychological horror with a great cast and great acting.
  • kiriyamakazou
    April 16, 2009
    kiriyamakazou
    Jacob's Ladder is a film that has been harmed by countless retreads over the years. Each of them has often failed to live up to this wonderful psychedelic thriller. It concentrates on a man haunted by his experiences in Vietnam. As he tries to live his life he is plagued by sinis... read moreter visions. The build up of these visions is fantastic. From the early glimpse of a tail, to the fully blown descent into hell. Robbins carries the film with fragile strength, ready to break at any moment. Pena, as his girlfriend, is unfortunately not as easy to relate to. She fails to understand what Robbins is going through and this leaves her shallow and despised by the viewer. As the mystery unravels it becomes obvious as to the truth behind the mystery, but this does not affect the viewing pleasure. In a way it enhances it. The hellish visions are the most impressive aspect. Each one is creepy and unsettling but is grounded in the real world. Making their appearance even more excruciating.It's a film about acceptance and letting go, but also about conquering our own demons, both literal and metaphorical.
  • arashxak
    September 6, 2008
    arashxak
    "The most frightening thing about Jacob Singer's nightmare is that he isn't dreaming."
  • FilmFanatik
    August 17, 2008
    FilmFanatik
    Absolutely unsettling and mind-blowing.
  • LitelBluHli
    December 2, 2007
    LitelBluHli
    Freaky!

View All Jacob's Ladder Reviews

Critic Reviews

Jonathan Rosenbaum
March 27, 2009
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

A bold, powerful psychological horror film. Full Review

Variety Staff
June 19, 2008
Variety Staff, Variety

Dull, unimaginative and pretentious. Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

A slick, riveting, viscerally scary film about what in other hands would be a decidedly unsalable subject, namely death. Full Review

Desson Thomson
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

[Falls] ultimately flat on its surrealistic face, the victim of too many fake-art sequences. Full Review

Hal Hinson
January 1, 2000
Hal Hinson, Washington Post

Lyne indulges more in misdirection than in direction; he's a magician turning a sleazy trick. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

This movie was not a pleasant experience, but it was exhilarating in the sense that I was able to observe filmmakers working at the edge of their abilities and inspirations. Full Review

John A. Nesbit
January 22, 2011
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews

worthwhile journey--just didn't blow me away Full Review

March 27, 2009
Film4

Unfairly dismissed on its original release, this really deserves to be better known: the ultimate example of bad-trip mainstream cinema. Full Review

Ian Nathan
March 27, 2009
Ian Nathan, Empire Magazine

Despite all the confusion, it's a simple case of the script being too ambitious. It may emulate a man experiencing flashbacks, but it doesn't help the audience. Full Review

March 27, 2009
TV Guide's Movie Guide

Truly frightening and visually unique, this messy, challenging film is anchored by Tim Robbins' remarkable performance. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • The Machinist
    The Machinist (92%)
  • Donnie Darko
    Donnie Darko (71%)
  • Silent Hill
    Silent Hill (58%)
  • Memento
    Memento (73%)

More Movies like Jacob's Ladder

Facts

No facts approved yet. Be the first

Jacob's Ladder : Watch Free on TV

Jacob's Ladder Trivia

  • Tim Robbins plays Jacob Singer, a Veitnam vet who suffers from a past that haunts him an threatens to unravel his entire world in what movie directed by Adrien Lynn?  Answer »
  • Who portrayed Jacob Singer in Jacob's Ladder ?  Answer »
  • In which movie, Tim Robbins and Macaulay Culkin appeared together?   Answer »
  • What is Jacob's last name in "Jacob's Ladder"?  Answer »
More Jacob's Ladder Trivia

Movie Quizzes

Create a Quiz |

All Quizzes

Video Clips

No video clips yet. Want to upload one?

Meet Other Fans

Add Jacob's Ladder to favorites

Recent News

Submit a Story |

View Jacob's Ladder News

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

maggiekoons Skin by maggiekoons
39 Profiles
Add to Profile

More Skins