Change Your Image
Count Orlok
Reviews
The Toy (1982)
Good on more than one level.
This film can be enjoyed by children due to it's obvious subject matter. But it also has a subtheme about racial and class divisions. Depending on the scene, the film's racial connotations range from depicting the use of blacks in subservient positions, to blatantly expressing that people can still sell themselves or be bought out of desperation.
The Cassandra Crossing (1976)
Typical 70's fame-o-rama
This is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. Like many disaster films of the 1970's, it follows the formula of giving the token role to the many once great but now fading stars of the time. The plot of this film is only secondary to the real reason it was made. Like most disaster films of the 1970's, the name of the game was to play "Can you find that star?" When you put people like Sophia Loren, Lee Strassberg, Burt Lancaster etc... in these types of movies, you know the main purpose of the picture is to say "Look at all the famous people whose careers have dried up." It's a crying shame that these actors submitted to these roles, for they were and are great talents. Yet another unremarkable series of silly fads which are so characteristic of the 70's, the only things missing were Dean Martin and Liberace, which would have perfectly topped off the structure of tacky fame-mongering methods. What's with Martin Sheen doing headstands as he plays of Ava Gardner's dandy, and also happens to be young enough to be her grandson? If this is your things, than be absolutely sure not to miss such horizon-widening, chock-full-o-fame such as Poseidon Adventure, Airport, Earthquake and Meteor.
The Elephant Man (1980)
The Greatest Example Of Courage
I have always had unusual fascinations, and Joseph Merrick is no exception. At the time the film was released in 1980, I was but a mere second grader. I was enthralled by the mystery and spook factor of such a dark and dreary film. Today, I am a film student/director. My films are mostly in the style of David Lynch, David Fincher and Ridley Scott - dark and eerie. The mood which low lighting creates is unsurpassed in its ability to create a dreamlike atmosphere. Furthermore, the majority of the stories I write and the films that I intend to make one day, all revolve around persons whom have had to overcome seemingly insurmountable struggles. While as a boy it was the esoteric 'creepiness' which interested me, I look back upon such experiences as being instrumental in shaping me artistically. I feel there is no better story to tell than that of people who live in a world of intolerance and have the ability to create for themselves a life despite their outcast status. My compliments to you as well for dedicating yourself to such an endlessly interesting subject as Joseph Merrick. His is a lesson to be relished not only from the perspective of disabilities, but from one of self-respect, steadfastness and determination; Very unique characteristics in a situation which might daunt the average man.