THE TERROR
THE TERROR, a 1963 horror film directed by Roger Corman, is a testament to the power of creativity emerging from constrained circumstances. Shot on a shoestring budget and using leftover sets from another Corman production, "The Raven," this film takes us on an atmospheric journey into gothic horror that showcases Corman's ability to work within limitations.
The story follows Lieutenant Andre Duvalier (played by Jack Nicholson), a young French officer lost in the dense, eerie fog along the coast of the Baltic Sea. While wandering, he comes across a mysterious woman named Helene (played by Sandra Knight), whose ethereal beauty captivates him. As Duvalier becomes entangled in the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Helene, he finds himself drawn to a foreboding castle and its mysterious inhabitants.
One of the strengths of THE TERROR lies in its atmospheric cinematography and set design. Despite the film's modest budget, Corman and his team skillfully use the recycled sets to create a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for the narrative. The castle, shrouded in mist and perched on a desolate coastline, becomes a character in itself, contributing to the film's eerie atmosphere. The black-and-white cinematography enhances the gothic ambiance, casting long shadows and intensifying the sense of dread that permeates the story.
The film also benefits from the performances of its cast, particularly a young Jack Nicholson in one of his early roles. Nicholson brings a sense of earnestness to Lieutenant Duvalier, balancing the character's curiosity and vulnerability. Boris Karloff, a veteran of the horror genre, delivers a memorable performance as Baron Victor Frederick Von Leppe, adding gravitas to the film with his commanding presence.
At its core, THE TERROR explores themes of love, loss, and the supernatural. The narrative unfolds with a dreamlike quality, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. The film keeps viewers on edge, questioning the motives of its characters and the true nature of the haunting occurrences within the castle. The screenplay, penned by several writers including Jack Hill and Leo Gordon, weaves a mysterious tapestry that keeps the audience guessing until the final moments.
While THE TERROR succeeds in creating a captivating atmosphere, it does have its shortcomings. The film's disjointed production history, with multiple directors contributing to different segments, is evident in certain scenes where the narrative coherence could be better. The pacing, at times, feels uneven, with moments of tension giving way to slower, more contemplative sequences.
The musical score, composed by Ronald Stein, complements the film's gothic aesthetic with its haunting melodies. Music enhances the suspense and contributes to the overall sense of unease. However, the score feels overpowering in some instances, detracting from the subtlety that can make horror films truly chilling.
Despite its flaws, THE TERROR remains a noteworthy entry in the horror genre, showcasing Roger Corman's ability to craft engaging narratives within budgetary constraints. The film's lasting impact is evident in its influence on subsequent generations of filmmakers and its enduring status as a cult classic. For fans of gothic horror and those interested in the evolution of cinema within budgetary limitations, THE TERROR stands as a fascinating and atmospheric exploration of the supernatural.
THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS directed by Roger Corman in 1960, is a quirky, low-budget black comedy that has become a cult classic for its unique blend of horror and humor. Shot in just two days on a shoestring budget, the film is a testament to Corman's resourcefulness and creativity in the world of independent cinema.
The plot of the film revolves around Seymour Krelboined (played by Jonathan Haze), a meek and downtrodden florist's assistant working in Mushnick's Flower Shop on Skid Row. Seymour's life takes a bizarre turn when he discovers a mysterious and exotic plant during a solar eclipse. The plant, which he names Audrey Jr. after his coworker and crush Audrey Fulquard (played by Jackie Joseph), thrives on human blood and begins to grow at an alarming rate. As Seymour struggles to feed his insatiable, bloodthirsty companion, chaos ensues, and the film unfolds into a darkly comedic tale of murder and mayhem.
One of the film's standout features is its absurd and over-the-top humor. The screenplay, written by Charles B. Griffith, embraces the absurdity of the premise, delivering sharp and witty dialogue that adds to the film's comedic charm. The characters, from the bumbling Seymour to the eccentric dentist Dr. Farb (played by a scene-stealing Jack Nicholson), contribute to the film's overall campy and entertaining atmosphere.
The success of THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS lies in its ability to balance horror elements with comedic sensibilities. While the concept of a man-eating plant may seem gruesome, Corman and his team approach it with a playful and exaggerated tone. The special effects, though rudimentary by today's standards, add to the film's charm, emphasizing the plant's carnivorous nature without taking away from the comedic undertones.
Jonathan Haze's portrayal of Seymour is a key factor in the film's success. Haze brings a perfect blend of naivety and desperation to the character, making Seymour a sympathetic figure despite his morally questionable actions. The supporting cast, including Mel Welles as Mr. Mushnick and Jackie Joseph as Audrey, adds depth to the ensemble, creating a memorable cast of characters that contribute to the film's enduring appeal.
The film's production constraints are evident in its minimalistic set design and simple special effects, yet these limitations become part of its charm. The black-and-white cinematography adds a classic touch, harkening back to the era of B-movies and enhancing the film's nostalgic value. The low-budget aesthetic doesn't hinder the film's entertainment value; instead, it amplifies its status as a cult classic with a devoted fan base.
THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS also serves as a showcase for Jack Nicholson in one of his earliest roles. Nicholson's brief but memorable appearance as Wilbur Force, a masochistic dental patient, foreshadows the charisma and eccentricity that would define his later career. Even in this early stage, Nicholson's presence on screen is magnetic, leaving an indelible mark on the film.
While THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS may not have achieved critical acclaim upon its initial release, its legacy has grown over the years, solidifying its status as a beloved cult classic. The film's influence can be seen in subsequent adaptations, including the successful musical and the 1986 film directed by Frank Oz. Its enduring popularity lies in its ability to transcend its humble origins, offering audiences a delightful and offbeat cinematic experience that continues to captivate new generations of viewers.
Special Features
C. Courtney Joyner and Dr. Steve Haberman offer commentary for THE TERROR, while author Justin Humphreys and the film's star, Jonathan Haze, provide commentary for THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Additionally, Joyner contributes an essay exploring the connection between Boris Karloff and the works of Edgar Allan Poe.
The liner notes for THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS are written by Mark McGee, and they add depth and context to the film. The featurette called "Hollywood Intruders: The Filmgroup Story" continues with part two, which sheds light on the behind-the-scenes aspects of Roger Corman's filmmaking.
Howard S. Berger presents a featurette called "Ghosts in the Machine: Art & Artifice in Roger Corman’s Celluloid Castle" that provides a fresh perspective on "The Terror." This featurette delves into the artistic and technical aspects of the film, exploring the craftsmanship that went into creating Corman's cinematic world.
Additionally, recut trailers based on the original theatrical trailers offer a glimpse into the marketing strategies used during the films' initial releases. These trailers provide a nostalgic look at how these classic films were promoted to audiences.
In summary, this release not only provides the classic films THE TERROR and THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS but enriches the viewing experience with a wealth of special features. The inclusion of commentary tracks, essays, liner notes, featurettes, and recut trailers offers a comprehensive exploration of the films, their production, and their cultural impact. This package is a treat for both cinephiles and fans of Roger Corman's distinctive contributions to cinema.
The Terror will be available on Blu-ray & DVD, Dec. 12th