The sole directorial outing of Noel Coward arrives on Blu-ray, the infamously troubled production, Roar. The 1981 film received a limited theatrical re-release earlier this year thanks to distribution from Drafthouse Films, which managed to take in over a hundred thousand for the initially maligned film, repackaged as ‘the most dangerous movie ever made.’ Though questionable as an actual piece of filmmaking, it is one of those rare jaw dropping accomplishments, an actual occasion for otherwise hyperbolized language. The lack of narrative hardly matters since you’ll be distracted nearly every single moment as you wonder what the hell everyone was thinking when they made the film.
If you don’t recognize Marshall’s name (this stands as his only directorial effort), it’s because he was actually the husband (initially agent) of actress Tippi Hedren, and they conceived the idea of the film eleven years prior while working on another film set in Africa.
If you don’t recognize Marshall’s name (this stands as his only directorial effort), it’s because he was actually the husband (initially agent) of actress Tippi Hedren, and they conceived the idea of the film eleven years prior while working on another film set in Africa.
- 11/3/2015
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
We Bought a Zoo: Marshall’s Early Eighties Oddity Resurrected
In the annals of cinema, there are very few examples of entire film productions resulting in an end product that begs the question, “What were they thinking?” from the first to last reel. One such example, however, is Noel Marshall’s 1981 film Roar, featuring a plagued filming schedule from conception to theatrical release that tends to overshadow the actual product, which concerns a family being terrorized by a ferocious assortment of big, wild felines. If you don’t recognize Marshall’s name (this stands as his only directorial effort to date), it’s because he was actually the husband (initially agent) of actress Tippi Hedren, and they conceived the idea of the film eleven years prior while working on another film set in Africa. Fascinating in the sense of what the film crew was able to actually accomplish, but...
In the annals of cinema, there are very few examples of entire film productions resulting in an end product that begs the question, “What were they thinking?” from the first to last reel. One such example, however, is Noel Marshall’s 1981 film Roar, featuring a plagued filming schedule from conception to theatrical release that tends to overshadow the actual product, which concerns a family being terrorized by a ferocious assortment of big, wild felines. If you don’t recognize Marshall’s name (this stands as his only directorial effort to date), it’s because he was actually the husband (initially agent) of actress Tippi Hedren, and they conceived the idea of the film eleven years prior while working on another film set in Africa. Fascinating in the sense of what the film crew was able to actually accomplish, but...
- 4/16/2015
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
"Roar" feels like Walt Disney decided to make a snuff version of "Swiss Family Robinson." It may be the single most irresponsible thing I've ever seen as a movie, and I have seen it three times now. I may watch it again tonight. I am that fascinated by this record of absolute madness. Drafthouse Films has done a great job of picking up worthy new films for release, starting with "Four Lions," but they've also displayed a knack for turning up some fascinating curios, forgotten films that might otherwise never get their moment. "The Visitor" was a great example, a deranged mix of religious allegory and post-"Star Wars" blockbuster mania. One of the highlights of this year's Fantastic Fest was a screening of a film called "The Astrologer," a self-financed vanity project that defied any easy description, and I was disappointed to learn that there are copyright issues that...
- 3/6/2015
- by Drew McWeeny
- Hitfix
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.