10 Best Joel Schumacher Films

Joel Schumacher proved repeatedly in his filmography that he can make a lot out of what might seem quite a thin premise, and this is never more apparent than in Flatliners, a psychological drama that attempts to tackle the big questions of life and death. It doesn’t quite achieve this lofty goal, but like much of Schumacher’s work, it’s a blast, bolstered by a talented and giving cast.

Medical student Nelson (Kiefer Sutherland, something of a lucky charm for Schumacher) fixates on the realm beyond life, and convinces his malleable pals to help him investigate. The crew take it in turns to “flatline”, dying for a minute or two, before being brought back.

Needless to say, the crew see things no mortal should be seeing, with each of the titular flatliners haunted by visions of their past - their sins, mostly, along with distressing moments, loved ones lost whose ghosts won’t let go.

It’s all about the concept here, and while there’s an argument to be made that the film doesn’t do quite enough with it, the atmosphere and the talented cast (including Kevin Bacon and Julia Roberts) make up for the big questions that go unanswered in spite of the director’s laudable ambitions.