Review of The Call of Cthulhu (2006) by Karen M — 24 Sep 2007

The works of H.P. Lovecraft, the perennially popular master of horror fiction, is infamously unadaptable to screen. Or at least, every Hollywood attempt to bring his work to the masses has been an abysmal failure.

So it falls to the members of the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society - basically some guys with cameras, computers, glitter, cardboard, and sheets in their backyard - to create the definitive film version of his most enduring short story, The Call of Cthulhu. At 45 minutes running time, neither the narrative is neither padded nor rushed.

The innovative concept of this project was creating the look and feel of a 1920s silent film (fitting the age in which the short story was written and set), complete with title cards, grand performances, and a rousing score. The concept also allows the producers to get away with many clever tricks that color and/or sound would destroy. Computers were only used to inexpensively replicate tried-and-true techniques like composition shots and scale model integration.

One could criticize the actors for overdoing it, but they perfectly channel the idols of the Silent Era, using their faces and gestures to the fullest expressive range without falling off the deep end of camp.

The special effects are either mildly convincing or entirely charming, as one would see in a theatre production. Angular doorways appear in nightmares, the sea is rolling fabric. Cthulhu, that great tentacled beast who is a favorite to fantasy artists, is rendered in modeling clay but no less terrifying as he devours sailors. (It would surely bring tears to Ray Harryhausen's eyes.).

In DVD commentary that far exceeds the length of the feature presentation, the affable cast and crew give many insights into the production details, which will be surprising and fascinating to any viewer.

As Hollywood prepares to release a stinky horror movie called "Cthulhu." this fall, loosely based on Lovecraft's "The Shadow Over Innsmouth" and starring Tori Spelling, it's encouraging to think that - by contrast - there are those truly dedicated to this author's vision, and see fit to bring it to screen with such skill and grace. Don't be surprised if you too begin to hear the Call.