Review of Glen or Glenda (1953) by Benny B — 29 Apr 2013

Ed Wood's debut is a bizarre semi-documentary about transvestism that was very close to his heart. Wood secretly coped with the condition himself, and picked to act in the title role of Glen. His real life fiancà (C)e, who was not aware of his tendencies until the film was written and planned also stars in the film virtually as.

.. herself, or rather Wood's idealized vision of herself. One that would eventually react tolerantly to his revelation. Awkward! Their relationship did not last long after this. Heavy handed writing and poor acting pester the film, and stock footage is randomly mixed into it in the form of montages with morose dialogues read behind them - making this a firm candidate for the top five worst movies every made.

Bela Lugosi was already washed up when he was roped in by Wood to act as a God-type entity pulling the strings of the world, and uttering complete gibberish in the process. Pathetic. Wood is famous for creating the "so bad it's good" school of film making.

There is possibly no one as incompetent as Wood was at directing, however his enthusiasm clearly shines through his films. This is a reason why his films hold to date a strange, morbid fascination. The same that might, against one's will, prompt one to look at a car wreck to get a look at the twisted metal and mangled dead body.