Review of The Call of Cthulhu (2006) by Michael W — 17 May 2011

I freaking LOVED this short film adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's most epic tale of horror!

Made in 2005, director Andrew Leman's production is designed and shot like an early 1920s silent film, complete with high contrast black & white footage, covered in dust and scratches (the only things missing were exposure fluctuation from hand-cranked cameras and film jiggle from the projector... these few clues gave away the modern production aspect).

The set designs are amazing and the special effects combine modern green screen and rotoscoping techniques with classic miniature sets and stop-motion animation that Ray Harryhousen would envy!

The entire film captures perfectly the darkness and eerie mood for which Lovecraft's stories are known and adored. The very decision to male this film in the silent-era style seems motivated by the fact that the fictional language of "The Great Old Ones" cannot be spoken by human tongue, only written in strange letter combinations resembling words. This decision lead to a retelling of an old story through am old style, but beautifully and lovingly homaged by the filmmakers... not to mention quite successfully! There's never a dull minute in this under-an-hour feature!

If you're a fan of classic horror, H.P. Lovecraft or silent-era cinema, this film is an amazing treat!