Episode 59 - Monster Mash 12 Afterthoughts

This mash brought about 3 random movies, as per usual, for us to discuss. Since we recorded this one, I have come back to one thing that is relevant to this episode. Relevant in a way that is applicable to all experience of consuming any type of art. However, in our neck of the woods, the horror/cult/B film world, one cannot take a movie too seriously.

For me this is a vital part of how you discuss and absorb a film. The reason I mention it now, is because within this particular episode, the forgiveness to the films are not distributed equally. I find myself ready to not fault The Tingler for dated cheap visuals at times or the utter campy nonsense sporadically through Society. Yet, I am quick to shred Lords of Salem for its ending that makes no attempt at any real coherent conclusion. The reason why, I think is important to focus on, because commonly people argue about film and never clarify this reason. 

The filmmaker’s intent.

Rob Zombie was striving to make a big time film to be taken seriously. He wanted to be judged on an accelerated level beyond run-of-the-mill schlock. There is certainly nothing wrong with that but it is a reality. Brian Yuzna and William Castle were trying to get asses in the seats and for people to have a good time. Again, there is nothing wrong with that approach in the slightest. Certainly both directions hold strong merit but on a podcast or in an editorial review, or even a circle of friends, this must be remembered. Why rip apart a film like The Tingler based on the same scale used for The Exorcist? Lords of Salem wanted surrealism and a lingering gloom left with the viewer more than it wanted traditional satisfaction from its viewers. Oppositely, The Tingler wanted to make you have a good time and over 60 years later it still is. Until next time….

Beware the moon

The Professor