Introduction:
Adapting H.P. Lovecraft’s
brand of horror fiction into a movie has always been difficult. Most of the
time, the filmmakers go for a short story to base the film and try to keep
Lovecraftian elements. But this time, director Dan O’Bannon went for one of
Lovecraft’s lengthier works and set it in the modern era (the 1990s in this
case). Did it work?
Summary:
Private detective John March
(John Terry) is approached by the lovely Claire Ward (Jane Sibbett) to find out
what her husband has been up to. At first March assumes this is another case of
a cheating spouse, but things take a turn for the sinister when he discovers
that Charles Ward (Christ Sarandon) may be involved with the occult.
As he starts digging he
finds himself in mortal peril as the mysterious Joseph Curwen and his minions
try to block his work. Ward himself seems conflicted and it all boils down to
an ancient curse, hellish alchemical rites and the fate of The Resurrected.
Good Points:
- Stays fairly true to the novella The Strange Case of Charles Dexter Ward
- The adaption into a noir detective story works well
- Keeps some of the surprising gruesome details
Bad Points:
- Purists will be enraged by the changes
- Has a bit of a cheesy direct to video vibe
- A bit clunky in places
Overall:
For a fan of Lovecraft’s work,
I actually enjoyed the film. It’s a neat adaptation and it keeps the general
feel of the supernatural elements that the writer wove into the story. The
budget constraints to show at times, but Chris Sarandon does a solid job as
Charles Ward, and really gives the movie its momentum. Good for a scare or two
on movie night.
Scores
(out of 5)
Visuals: 4
Sound: 3
Acting: 3
Script: 3
Music: 3
Direction: 3
Entertainment: 4
Total: 3
Curious about a full review,
sent me an email and I’ll make additional thoughts to this review.
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