Luke
stu-kicks
CibbuanoEd Wood
September 15th 2006 07:53
Ed Wood (1994)
One of my favourite films, I have to admit. 'Ed Wood' is an odd combination of serious biographical picture and tongue-in-cheek humour. As an added bonus, the acting is exemplary.
The film is a homage of sorts to Edward D. Wood Jr, reputed to be the worst director that Hollywood ever saw. The film covers the early part of his career ('Glen or Glenda', 'Bride of the Monster' and 'Plan 9 From Outer Space') and his relationship with then-washed up horror legend, Bela Lugosi. Truth really is stranger than fiction; I can't help but laugh at the awfulness of Ed Wood's work and the various outcasts he called his friends.
Martin Landau is astounding as Bela Lugosi, even if you're only marginally familiar with Lugosi's work (his is the most famous and imitated interpretation of Dracula on screen) it really has to be seen to be believed. Bill Murray also turns up as Bunny Breckinridge, a would-be transvestite, and Vincent D'Onofrio cameos convincingly as Orson Welles. Johnny Depp proved his versatility here (to me at least) as the hopelessly optimistic and energetic cross-dressing Ed Wood, and the direction is pure Tim Burton twistedness.
I really don't have a bad word against this film - it's staggeringly entertaining, terribly funny and an amazing account of 50s B-Grade film-making. I think it’s Burton’s best film.
HIGHLIGHTS: Without a doubt, Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi; a cursing, curmudgeonly delight, always ready to call his contemporaries (namely Boris Karloff) 'hacks' and 'cocksuckers'. Also, laughingly, Ed Wood continuously compares himself to Orson Welles, and even gets to meet the man himself.
TRIVIA: 'Ed Wood' won two Academy Awards, one for makeup, and one for Best Supporting Actor (Landau). 'Ed Wood’s budget (ironically) came to more than all of Ed Wood's films put together. Vincent D'Onofrio's voice was overdubbed by an Orson Welle's impersonator.
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
A near perfect film that captures the mood and feel of an era, brought to life by well paracticed performers. Well written and beautifully caught by the cinematography.
One of Depps most compelling performances.
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