Hotel Torgo aka Torpocalypse Now. Yes, the 30 minute documentary on the infamous Manos: The Hands of Fate. Some fascinating stories are related to the ill-fated production, such as John Reynolds (who played Torgo) committing suicide shortly after the production, the manic misguided director Harold P. Warren who conned the crew to do the movie essentially for free, and a rather lengthy interview with Bernie Rosenblum who is the only known surviving crew-member on the film (there is a disclaimer of: “Since the release of Manos the cast and crew have all passed away or mysteriously disappeared). Bernie relates all sorts of weird shit that happened during production and seemed genuinely appreciative of the reemergence of Manos thanks to MST3K and the cult following it has garnered throughout the years.
Definitely a recommended viewing for those who are versed well in Torgoism or want a small peek inside the world of Z-grade movie making.
Where the Buffalo Roam - Second time viewing this exaggeration on the exploits of Hunter S. Thompson, and it is almost buried as the legend that it should be because of Gilliam’s Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas unfortunately.
Also watched Texas Chainsaw Massacre II in homage to Lou Perrymen’s recent death.
I know there is a steady divide on this film amongst genre fans because it pretty much strays from all aesthetic elements of the first film, but I’ve always seen it as a comedy first, and a horror movie second. And, as a result of this unpopular mindset, it is a great film. The over-the-top Moseley and the ever so hammy Hopper really sell this one on a grande scale, and it works out quite well.
Milano Rovente - A brutally sadistic crime-thriller from Umberto Lenzi. Two warring factions face off with one another in hopes to overtake their ‘industry’. Plenty sleazy, violent, and gritty as dirt.
Hausu - Yes…finally watched this. Still digesting. Think I just watched Pee-Wee’s Playhouse on some really bad acid. Like, the worst form of acid. But that is a very good thing. To watch a movie and it has the effects of some nasty hallucinogen, yet I am as sober as a mule. Not even sure if this should be classified as a haunted house film…more like a re-animated house film? A haunted cat film? smurfin if I know…it just went against all haunted house procedures.
An incredibly vibrant film, to a point where it is almost made for children because it assaults you visually non-stop with a heavy emphasis on color. But there is nudity, and gore, so children were not in mind when this was made. What was in mind when this was made is the real question.
Some interesting effects were used…some rotoscoping, animation, stop-motion, practical effects. All integrated into this hyper-universe of the fourth dimension. A pretty heavy statement, eh? Cliched, yeah…but still, it fits in well in attempting to describe what I just watched.
Perfect Blue - Such a bizarre head-trip, the entire thing was—especially at the 40 minute mark where it just repeated a variety of scenarios, to the point where my own disillusionment was coming on strong. Almost flawlessly executed, the entire psychosis of Mena and where exactly her mind was traveling.
As the film progressed, I kept second-guessing the plot, where it was heading, and often became frustrated as it twisted around quite a bit, which made the viewing a bit exhausting at times. But after it was all said and done, it was very gratifying. Some very tense and surreal moments as well.
Stylistically brilliant, on top of some very well done characters, and even the bevy of J-pop throughout the show was tolerable, and surprisingly creepy given a few instances of the context it was involved in.
I’m being incredibly vague on this whole flick, because I want others out there to test it out, going in completely blind like I did.
