Philip Lemarchand

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Philip Lemarchand is a fictional character appearing in works derived from Clive Barker's novella, The Hellbound Heart.

[edit] Background

Although Barker mentions Lemarchand in his novella, Lemarchand is merely described as a French toymaker who created an elaborate puzzle box known as the Lemarchand Configuration. The puzzle, when solved, opens a doorway to the realm of the Cenobites. Lemarchand is mentioned by surname only and does not appear in the story. Barker subsequently used this story as the basis for his film, Hellraiser.

Lemarchand first appears as a character in the Epic Comics series Hellraiser, based on the movie. Lemarchand was described as a toymaker and genius who became corrupted over the years. He eventually became a mass murderer who builds puzzle boxes that serve as gateways to other dimensions. He is assisted in his work by a Cenobite known as Baron.

Lemarchand gained his most prominent exposure in the fourth sequel to Hellraiser, Hellraiser: Bloodline. The character, as played by Bruce Ramsay is presented as a young and talented artificer of complex mechanical toys. The film focuses on how Lemarchand came to create the Lemarchand box that has become known in the film series as the Lament Configuration.