I was looking forward to viewing this movie adaptation of the TV series Dark Shadows. Boy, was I let down.
It wasn't by the story that disappointed me. I liked the way the Sam Hall and Gordon Russell incorporated the full life of Barnabas Collins. Though his resurrection sequence is weak. When Willie Loomis, played brilliantly by John Karlen, finds a riddle, he quickly and easily reduces its meaning. Unluckily for the family, it releases Barnabas from his imprisonment. It's the speed Loomis finds and frees Barnabas that is a tad unbelievable. However, it appears there might have been time restrictions to the movie to force a runtime of an hour and a half. This would explain the quick cuts and jumps in the film towards the end.
Barnabas enthrals the family's females the instant he enters the family home. He mesmerises them with his Vampyric stare. He's lucky to possess the Lady Magnet super-power as he's no great looker. It's another element of the story which beggars belief. However, while they are under his hypnotic spell the story gains strength as they do his bidding. Murder and chaos follow.
On the whole, Dan Curtis does a good job of directing. He gives the audience some nice scenic and atmospheric shots. Good composition, camera angles, and lighting. Lamentably, the butchery towards the story's climax rips the heart and soul out of both story and film. This may be been down to Curtis, but more than likely the film company, trying to hit their wonderful runtime limit. Shame is the story held all the elements to create a great film. Even the special effects are way above par, especially the old Barnabas makeup, which is flawless and superb.
Such as the acting. As I stated before, John Karlin is great as Willie Loomis, so much so I thought it a shame not to place him in a greater role. Nancy Barrett oozes sexuality after her metamorphosis into a creature of the night. I loved the way Curtis changed his way of shooting her. As a normal human, she was cold and staid, which she captures to perfection. But afterwards, she is warm and possesses an aura that entrances her prey and draws them in. I would've gone willingly... and with a big smile. One of my favourite characters though is the Van Helsing-like Professor T Eliot-Stokes. Thayer David gives him the right amount of bravado and self-confidence. I've got an issue with Jonathan Frid. Barnabas is a ladies' man. I cannot see that in Frid. Granted, he relies on hypnotising his prey, but still, I can't see Frid or Barnabas making the ladies swoon.
So, is the film worth watching? Well, I'm on the fence with that answer. If I'd known how bad the end cuts were and how badly they affected the film, I wouldn't have bothered. Though in some ways I'm glad I did. It made me smile at its ludicrousness, and smiling is always good. I just didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. So, feel free to make up your own mind on this one... but remember... you have been warned.
Ratings: Story 1.25 : Direction 0.5 : Pace 0.75 : Acting 1 : Enjoyment 0.75 : Total 4.25 / 10
Spread your wings and fly on over to my Absolute Horror list and see where this tidbit of terror charted. You may find your next flick to watch.
Take Care and Stay Well.
It wasn't by the story that disappointed me. I liked the way the Sam Hall and Gordon Russell incorporated the full life of Barnabas Collins. Though his resurrection sequence is weak. When Willie Loomis, played brilliantly by John Karlen, finds a riddle, he quickly and easily reduces its meaning. Unluckily for the family, it releases Barnabas from his imprisonment. It's the speed Loomis finds and frees Barnabas that is a tad unbelievable. However, it appears there might have been time restrictions to the movie to force a runtime of an hour and a half. This would explain the quick cuts and jumps in the film towards the end.
Barnabas enthrals the family's females the instant he enters the family home. He mesmerises them with his Vampyric stare. He's lucky to possess the Lady Magnet super-power as he's no great looker. It's another element of the story which beggars belief. However, while they are under his hypnotic spell the story gains strength as they do his bidding. Murder and chaos follow.
On the whole, Dan Curtis does a good job of directing. He gives the audience some nice scenic and atmospheric shots. Good composition, camera angles, and lighting. Lamentably, the butchery towards the story's climax rips the heart and soul out of both story and film. This may be been down to Curtis, but more than likely the film company, trying to hit their wonderful runtime limit. Shame is the story held all the elements to create a great film. Even the special effects are way above par, especially the old Barnabas makeup, which is flawless and superb.
Such as the acting. As I stated before, John Karlin is great as Willie Loomis, so much so I thought it a shame not to place him in a greater role. Nancy Barrett oozes sexuality after her metamorphosis into a creature of the night. I loved the way Curtis changed his way of shooting her. As a normal human, she was cold and staid, which she captures to perfection. But afterwards, she is warm and possesses an aura that entrances her prey and draws them in. I would've gone willingly... and with a big smile. One of my favourite characters though is the Van Helsing-like Professor T Eliot-Stokes. Thayer David gives him the right amount of bravado and self-confidence. I've got an issue with Jonathan Frid. Barnabas is a ladies' man. I cannot see that in Frid. Granted, he relies on hypnotising his prey, but still, I can't see Frid or Barnabas making the ladies swoon.
So, is the film worth watching? Well, I'm on the fence with that answer. If I'd known how bad the end cuts were and how badly they affected the film, I wouldn't have bothered. Though in some ways I'm glad I did. It made me smile at its ludicrousness, and smiling is always good. I just didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. So, feel free to make up your own mind on this one... but remember... you have been warned.
Ratings: Story 1.25 : Direction 0.5 : Pace 0.75 : Acting 1 : Enjoyment 0.75 : Total 4.25 / 10
Spread your wings and fly on over to my Absolute Horror list and see where this tidbit of terror charted. You may find your next flick to watch.
Take Care and Stay Well.