Jacob’s Ladder (1990)

A Vietnam vet (Jacob) fears for his sanity as dream-like images and demons begin to appear. Convinced these hallucinations resulted from government experimentation with a mind-altering drug called “The Ladder,” the hero makes a startling discovery about his true nature. Danny Aiello shines as wisdom-dealing Louis the chiropractor who hints at the truth of Jacob’s situation:

Louis: If you’re frightened of dying and you’re holding on, you’ll see devils tearing your life away, but if you’ve made your peace, then the devils are really angels freeing you from the Earth.

Though attributed to Meister Eckhart, I never found that quote in any of Eckhart’s writings. Nevertheless, Jacob’s Ladder is a film that might open a door to questioning the reality of this world.

As as self-serving side note, check out what Bruce Joel Rubin, the Jacob’s Ladder screenwriter said about my film: Closer Than Close .