The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

 

As I said in my last post, I headed out to see a couple classic silent movies last night at the NARO Cinema. With a soundtrack performed by the Invicible Czars, this was quite an evening. If you haven't seen them, both Nosferatu and the Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) are must watch material for horror fans. 

Plot: Hypnotist Dr. Caligari uses a somnambulist, Cesare, to commit murders.

First let me start by discussing the music.  The Invincible Czars were amazing.  They not only added to the overall feel and atmosphere,  they created a mesmerizing soundtrack that kept the viewer engaged throughout.  It made it one of the next silent film experiences that I have ever been a part of. Having watched this classic silent film on many occasions, it is hard to find anything negative to say. For the time,  the quality is insane, every facet of the film works in a way to continually build throughout. The performances are good and the story is quite original (especially for the era) and it delivers what may be the first twist ending in cinematic history. Of course,  this is a silent film,  so some will automatically discount its relevance, but for any true horror fan this movie,  especially if you can can catch it while the Invicible Czars are on tour, is must watch cinema.

Spree (2020)

I really do love this time of the year,  it gives me a perfect excuse to immerse myself into all things spooky, strange, and horror related. Like last night,  I got to go out to watch the silent classics Nosferatu and the Cabinet of Dr. Caligari with a live band playing an incredible soundscape. The Invincible Czars were amazing! Today, I've watched a couple things,  including this movie Spree from 2020.

Plot: Desperate for an online following, a rideshare driver has figured out a deadly plan to go viral and he will stop at nothing to get his five minutes of fame.

When I selected this one this morning,  I had no idea on what to expect and was actually pleasantly surprised by what I found.  Unfortunately,  I already know that this will be a movie that will be very polarizing, and the audience will either love it or hate it. It's it a good film,  technically not really.  The dialog is so-so, the performances are uneven,  and the end sort of spirals. But,  there is something here within the idea of the storyline that adds a realistic view of the viral streaming community and the many different parts of society that want to join those ranks. Personally, I love social media (@ringmasters_realm on Instagram) and could understand everything that was taking place within the movie.  But, that might put me in a minority. In the end, this wasn't great, but it was a fun way to spend some time watching something outside the typical cookie-cutter horror that has become common. Not for everybody, but will appeal to a social media generation.

Lulu (1978)

Last night as I was waiting on The Ringmaster’s Realm to receive its millionth page view, I stumbled on a movie that I had heard about for quite some time and the influence it had on both cinema and music. In fact, one band that I listen to, The Tiger Lillies, wrote an entire album based on the original stage production that predated this film. That movie is the 1978 entry, Lulu.

Plot/ This highly stylized melodrama of the rise of a femme fatale and her fate at the hands of Jack the Ripper.

While I had heard of this film (and stage production), I had never been lucky enough to see it. Last night I was finally able to watch this one, and I am more than happy that I did. Yes, this is definitely not my usual genre; I was blown away by the depths of the film and can see how it has influenced decades of writers and filmmakers. This highly stylized does a tremendous job blending different eras of film and stage, using a solid mixture of silent film cards, soundscapes, colorization, and even opera music to create an atmosphere that is dark, entertaining, and memorable. Plus, anything that had Jack the Ripper in it cannot be bad (right?). Sure, the movie is more art house cinema than mainstream and it does not fit into any specific genre, but that adds to the overall satisfaction found when watching it. In the end, this film is unquestionably worth watching if you are willing to step outside the box and embrace the experience. This one is definitely not for everyone, but it really hit home with me. I loved it.

Metropolis (1927)

Every once in a while, I enjoy looking back at some of the more significant films in history; especially the ones that have stood the test of time and continue to influence filmmakers today. This weekend, I decided to venture back into the 1920s, and revisit the 1927 Sci-Fi epic Metropolis.

Plot/ In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences.

I sat down the other day and decided to watch the restored version of the classic Fritz Lang classic, Metropolis, and was captivated even more by this Sci-Fi masterpiece. If you have already watched it, you should completely understand where I am coming from. Everything about the movie is perfect from the over the top acting, amazing set design and effects, to the strange atmosphere. Most of all, the storyline is tremendous, and for 1927, could almost be viewed as a touch prophetic. In the end, this masterpiece is Sci-Fi history has not only influenced many modern films, it set the benchmark for how great science fiction movies could be. Yes, it does have a longer run time, and you will have to read between the lines, but it is a movie that must be seen by any Sci-Fi fan. If you have not seen the film, you are missing out. Check it out!

Hugo (2011)

One of the movements in life that I absolutely love, but have not been able to truly find my place in is Steampunk. Everything about it fascinates me, as I feel like much of the world would be better if we embraced that culture and improved upon it. Life could be simpler, better and more open. Ironically, when I first saw the preview for Hugo, that same feel popped into my mind, and now, I finally sat down to watch it to see.

Plot/ Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.

This was an interesting flick; I am just not sure who the intended audience was. We picked it up for the daughters, but they drifted off within the first hour, me, I was captivated by the scenery and the idea. Honestly, it may be one of the most visually stunning movies I have seen in some time, and the story, while a bit choppy, inspired me. Yes, some of the pacing seemed a bit slow, and some of it may have been a bit confusing, but that did not deter this film at all. With an amazing atmosphere, solid back-story, heartfelt message and truly amazing look, this movie was like a dream opening the doors to an imagination that had been closed a long time ago. In the end, this ode to the early days of film may be a tad slow, but it is a piece of cinematic genius that must be seen.

The Call of Cthulhu (2005)

After a week or so traveling, it was nice to get home and enjoy some good entertainment. Having the house to myself, it was also nice to be able to enjoy something a little more artsy than usual, with the quiet allowing my to enjoy one of my favorite elements in filmmaking, the silent film. While, I could have chosen a time tested classic, I decided to take on a modern entry, with the 2005 adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s The Call of Cthulhlu.

Plot/ The Call of Cthulhu is HP Lovecraft's most famous story. It is the only story to feature the celebrated monster Cthulhu and in many ways it encapsulates the ideas that went on to permeated Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. The film follows the story's three-part narrative construction, and it moves from the 1920s to 1908 to the1870s and back, as the story does. The story embodies Lovecraft’s nihilistic world view, his cosmic perspective, and his sense that mankind is doomed by its own insignificance. In the story, a dying professor leaves his great-nephew a collection of documents pertaining to the Cthulhu Cult. The nephew begins to learn why the study of the cult so fascinated his grandfather. Bit-by-bit he begins piecing together the dread implications of his grandfather's inquiries, and soon he takes on investigating the Cthulhu cult as a crusade of his own. As he pieces together the dreadful and disturbing reality of the situation, his own sanity begins to crumble. In the end, he passes the torch to his psychiatrist, who in turn hears Cthulhu's call.

I have to admit that this movie blew me away. As a fan of black and white silent films and H. P. Lovecraft, this flick came together as a perfect entry for me. It is clear that the director has many of those same feelings because the care and respect that went into this film is visible from the start. While roughly only 45 minutes, the atmosphere created by the 1920s cinematography is incredible. The acting is solid complete with the over-the-top expressions required by the project and the soundtrack is the perfect glue to bring everything together. Do not get me wrong, there are a few flaws (especially the stop motion sequences with Cthulhu), but in the end, it does not matter. If you are a fan on Lovecraft, this is a must see! However, if you are looking for gore and a modern take on his work, this may not be for you.

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1920)

After dealing with some computer issues last night, I wanted to watch something older as I continue to play with a short film script. While the project I am working on is mostly silent with some brief narration, I felt that a true silent classic would be some good motivation. With that in mind, I decided on the 1920 version of the classic Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.

Plot/ Based on the Robert Louis Stevenson story: Doctor Henry Jekyll's enthusiasm for science and his selfless acts of service have made him a much-admired man. But as he visits Sir George Carew one evening, his host criticizes him for his reluctance to experience the more sensual side of life. Sir George goads Jekyll into visiting a music hall, where he watches the alluring dancer Gina. Jekyll becomes fascinated with the two contrasting sides of human nature, and he becomes obsessed with the idea of separating them. After extensive work in his laboratory, he devises a formula that does indeed allow him to alternate between two completely different personalities, his own and that of a brutish, lascivious person whom he names Hyde. It is not long before the personality of Hyde begins to dominate Jekyll's affairs.

This amazing version of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde stands the test of time and incredibly still remains possibly the most iconic version of this classic tale. John Barrymore stars as the well-to-do doctor who concocts a serum that allows his dark side to find a home in his alter ego and his performance may be one of the best and most memorable from the silent film era, not to mention the fine performances from the supporting cast as well. The atmosphere and the dialogue are tremendous. Director John S. Robertson did a masterful job at creating a nicely paced, thought-provoking film that is truly a masterpiece. However, in the end it is Barrymore's performance that will forever be remembered and make this a true piece of American and Cinematic History.

Watch it here!

From Undead: The Vampire Collection - Nosferatu (1922) - The Bat (1926) - Terror Creatures from the Grave (1965)

The first film that I watched from the Undead: The Vampire Collection 20 Movie Pack was the 1922 classic Nosferatu (which I have seen many times). Really, there is nothing to say about this classic film other than it is a must see. Directed by F. W. Murnau, starring Max Schreck as the vampire Count Orlok. The film, shot in 1921 and released in 1922, was in essence an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, with names and other details changed because the studio could not obtain the rights to the novel.

The Bat

The second film I enjoyed tonight was another silent classic, the 1926 redition of The Bat. This silent film based on the 1920 hit Broadway play by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood, directed by Roland West and starring Jack Pickford and Louise Fazenda. The story takes place in an old mansion, where people look for hidden loot while a caped killer (nicknamed "The Bat") murders them one by one.  While this is a great film and actually a tremendous transfer from its original state, it is hardly a vampire movie. In fact, it is more of a pulp movie than horror, it actually makes me wonder why it was included in the set. The plot is very simple, amnd the acting and soundtrack are excellant. Ironically, the Bat character seems to be an early influence for the Batman comic strip, with some of the elements of the character clearly in play in this movie. Although it is not a horror flick, it is worth watching.

Terror Creatures From the Grave

The last film from the set I watched this evening was the 1965 Italian Supernatural horror film, Terror Creatures from the Grave (Italian title: Cinque tombe per un medium). Directed by Massimo Pupillo and starring Barbara Steele, Walter Brandi, and Mirella Maravidi,  the movie follows an attorney who arrives at a castle to settle the estate of its recently deceased owner. The owner's wife and daughter reveal that he was someone who was able to summon the souls of ancient plague victims and, in fact, his spirit was roaming the castle at that very moment. Soon occupants of the castle begin to die off in gruesome, violent ways.

This tale of betrayal and gruesome vengeance is supposed to be based on the writings of Edgar Allan Poe, although as a fan of his, I am not really seeing it. Again, I am not sure why this film was included in The Vampire Collection, as the creatures in the movie are more zombie-like (although you never really see them). These monsters are said to carry the plague in their very touch. Fortunately the somewhat grisly results are seen after the creatures leave their mark. Barbara Steele has a masterful performance and the storyline is decent. Unfortunately, the film does have limitations in budget and the transfer quality is not the greatest. But, despite these limitations, this was a fun movie to watch and really added some horror to the night after watching The Bat.