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Post by Adam on Apr 23, 2006 17:30:48 GMT -5
Yeah, it blows my mind too.
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Post by Ampage on Apr 23, 2006 18:22:13 GMT -5
What a feeling!
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Post by Ayinger on Apr 23, 2006 20:40:46 GMT -5
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Post by Adam on May 1, 2006 22:53:55 GMT -5
Ok, I'm needing a second opinion in the cult film realm. I've recently seen these two titles in a local video store, each of $5. I'm aware of their cult status but I'm not sure about their qualities as movies (are they even enjoyable as guilty pleasures or are they unfairly overlooked or misundertstood). I enjoy making blind buys but, on the day I found these, I couldn't make a decision. Any suggestions? Otherwise, I'm just going to neglect them.   |
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Post by Thorngrub on May 2, 2006 9:34:49 GMT -5
I'd get Phantasm & skip the Beyond.
I am sure there are many who would do just the opposite.
It depends "where you're at" in each particular realm those movies occupy.
1.Phantasm occupies the more above-ground, hollywood realm, yet from a bygone era,
that of the late 70's. Back then the movie was a real howl of terror for a much more innocent audience. Only a calculating eye so cold as to border on cruelty could view this movie today and insist it is so "dated" as to not be worth watching. Then again, maybe I'm old enough to fall prey to the "nostalgia factor", and would hate it if I were 10 or 20 yrs younger. What remains: Total classic performance from Angus Scrimm as "The Tall Man", whose creepy stride became the stuff of legend in the annals of B-movie horror flicks.
Be warned: You will experience levels of bad acting seldom captured on film! But there is a genuine honesty behind the bad acting, which reveals a certain love for the material being attempted. The Director Don Coscarelli went on to make ALL subsequent Phantasm movies, and believe it or not - - each and every one has its own particular charm. This first one will always be the best, of course -- the silver alien ball w/the triple-pronged razorblades that just out of it, as it is sent telekinetically down the marble hallways of the local morgue, chasing after the kid: this is as classic a sequence in b-grade horror history as you can have. I recall the previews that came out on TV when I was 14 years old, they scared the crap outta me. This is the movie I'd get, if I were you; just remember to enjoy w/a considerable investment in the 'suspension of disbelief' levelled at the b-grade effects & acting. If you can get past this dated material, you should be able to uncover a very satisfying and otherwordly undercurrent of true blue classic horror. Phantasm remains one of my favorite movies of the genre, to this day.
And of course, Coscarelli went on to direct Bruce Campbell in the hilarious "Bubba Hotep".
2.The Beyond - - ok, I am far less qualified to extoll the virtues (or lack thereof) of this classic Italian b-grade horrorfest. Being directed by the infamous Lucio Fulci, you'll be in for some far more serious gore-effects (however dated), but the Italians always knew how to make their movies far more realistic (and sickening) in that sense. Of course they weren't limited by the silly rules & regulations (or health/safety laws) of America; so they were free to liberally utilize such things as cow stomachs & intestines & pig blood & all the rest which lent a degree of realism to their gore sequences not found state-side.
Thing is: a lot of these "Italian gore fest" flicks just never did much for me. The interminably boring sequences in between the action. The strange "euro-acting" and camera shots (as if trying to emulate a cheap alleyway Hitchcock). I read a lot about the "gorgeous cinematography" and use of colours that Fulci and his Italian brethren get praised for; me, I just don't see it.
Sure, there is a more "harrowing" sense of tension in these Italian movies. . . more relentless & cruel scenes of butchery and mayhem. And there's always a pseudo-sexual undertone to the proceedings. It all adds up to a very sterile, almost clinical sense of detachment, for me, as a viewer. I often find myself bored trying to get through one of these.
That said, I leave the final decision up to you, Adam. Keep in mind there are future installments of the Phantasm franchise - and, believe it or not - the dated cheesiness -factor notwithstanding -- they all have something to bring to the table (as they are all directed by The Man, the esteemed Mr. Don Coscarelli).
Hope this input helps.
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Post by Adam on May 2, 2006 15:52:46 GMT -5
Haha...great. Somehow I knew you, Thorn, would answer the call, if anyone.
Thanks for the input. I don't know if the titles are still there but I'll check.
...now, I remember they also had a copy of Jacob's Ladder. I may just give those titles the finger and pick up that one instead. I know JL is great.
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Post by luke on May 3, 2006 9:52:12 GMT -5
I don't remember much about Phantasm, other than that it was GREAT.
Most of my favorite movies are cult films. I missed the wagon the first time around, but I'd like to contribute some to this board if I ever get time.
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Post by Thorngrub on Dec 5, 2006 16:32:54 GMT -5
Maybe you'll get time for Xmas, luke!
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