Badmovies.org Forum

I recently purchased the Horrorlicious film set, which had Gothic in it. 

I was very excited to watch this film, since everyone seemed to give it such high praise.  I didn't try to over hype the movie for myself, since I know that always leads to disappointment. 

But honestly, I'm two ways on the movie.

On one end, there are some really cool scenes, and the movie is totally surrealistic, which I love.  The film really invokes thought, which is a plus, but most of all it's really helping to reignite my spark for writing. 

On the flipside, I had a hard time actually watching the film.  It felt like the focus would slip and the film would take off in another direction.  This often caused me to lose focus, and eventually interest.  At times, I felt like I was just watching a bunch of people play drugged-out grab ass, or like I was just watching a random set of events rather than a combined story. 

All in all, I enjoyed the film.  It's one of those that definitely has to grow on you.     

It is a unique film, but very much a Ken Russell film from beginning to end. Well, at least of the films of his that I've seen, even "Whore". Very sexual and teasing.  He builds to something and just as he gets close, he bounces over to something else and starts building again. Occasionally, he gives you satisfaction by the end, but some times he just kinda tips his hat and leaves you worked up and a bit frustrated.

Okay, I feel a bit dirty after writing that; I'm gonna go take a shower.

I remember when this film came out and getting very excited about it and feeling very let down once I watched it, but now looking back, I appreciate it. Although I think it is still not a very good film, I have seen many Ken Russel films and understand the things I didn't like was more or less his style.

I'm never sure with him if he's got some thought behind what he does or if he is just being weird for the sake of being weird.

Jeff

Oh, sounds intresting...

I'll give this a look, cheers, Joe !

You have to watch it late at night...that way, it's totally awesome. :teddyr:

The only cool part in the movie is the Knight and his metal wang...

Otherwise its a complete waste of time.

Maybe I feel this way because the story is about a bad drug trip in the 1800's and has nothing to do with any kind of Horror story.

Everytime I say I kinda want to see this movie you say it's crap and not worth the time!  You've never mentioned a metal wang! 

yes, i reckon 'gothic' is well worth watching, even if it is a bit patchy. but i think 'the devils' is the definitive ken russell film - beg/borrow/steal a copy of that if you haven't seen it. it's kind of sleazy yet majestic at the same time, and has fantastic design.

I find the "Beg/Borrow/Steal a copy" quite funny because I keep getting a "FREE" copy of Gothic everytime I buy into those 50 movie packs... (I think I own 2 but Im not surprised if I own 3 copies)


Paquita ~ ok, we'll watch it... :)

That's pretty much how I feel about it.  It's nothing I'd call great, and rewatching it will be out of the question for a good while, but it's definitely worth a look. 

No one else has mentioned it so I will.The soundtrack is by Thomas Dolby!!Hell,that's enough reason right there to watch it.I remember that my brother went to see it when it came out(it played at the local art house theater).I asked him,"how was the music".
He said,"Oh,it sounded like any other movie music" :lookingup:
I found out the following Christmas when my parents gave me the soundtrack on cassette.
What is the quality of the public domain cheapo Gothic DVDs?

GOTHIC is definitely worth a looksee, even though it's ultimately unsatisfying.  A great premise and a couple of great images, but it's confusing as hell and gets a little tiresome before it winds up.  THE DEVILS is great, as long as you take it as arty nunsploitation and don't take it seriously. 

I Saw This Movie Several Weeks Ago

It Is Based On The Night When Mary Shelley Was Inspired To Write FRANKENSTEIN

I thought The Movie Was Really Weird But Really Fun


But It Could Have Done Without The Part Where Julian Sands Starts Making Out With Gabriel Byrne While He Is Unconcious

Very typical Russellian, which means it isn't a good first introduction to Ken Russell.

Perhaps, a better introduction, and a film reviewed at this website, is his "Lair of the White Worm."

Again, typically Russellian, but it has a Lovecraftian vibe to it. It is also a salute to the Hammer horrors of old. And it is a much more straightforward story, so it is easier to understand what is going on.

If I had to pick a ken Russel film...it would be the DEVILS with the always great Oliver Reed. GOTHIC is ok...very odd...but it was a little to ....I dunno...Percy Shelly was sucha sap...and Lord BYron....I was waiting for him to die! No likable charecters in the film. The visuals were ok...mebbe better if I was a homo on acid.

Well, now that about sums up that movie, I think.  Especially the acid part.

i just ordered a copy of listzomania so i'm looking forward to more russellian excess and phalluses. but why all the casual homophobia, guys? what happened to live and let live?

here's some appropriate renaissance art

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e5/Phallic-Head_Plate%2C_1536_.jpg)

That gives "Dick Head" a whole new meaning.

I'm not a homophobe....I just like sex in movies to be between a guy and a girl. Simple fact is.... gay love is  not a plus in a movie for me...uh...unless they're lesbians!   :twirl:

That's okay, so let me steer you away from those Russell films, that I have seen, that have hints of homosexuality in them.

"Prisoner of Honor"
"Salome's Last Dance"
"Gothic," which you already know about.
"Valentino"
"The Music Lovers"
"Women in Love"

On the other hand, if you want some lesbian action than try Russell's . . .

"The Rainbow"
"The Boyfriend"

More overt in the former than the latter, but it is present in the latter in a couple of the characters.

And "Lair of the White Worm, which is an odd film, as it contains both lesbian and gay scenes. The lesbian scenes between Sylvia (Donohoe) and Eve (Oxenberg) are more overt, but there is a current of gayness between James (Grant) and Angus (Capaldi,) especially in their last scenes together.

Truth to tell...The only Russel films I've seen are the DEVILS (which was looooooong ago...and I was drunk),ALTERED STATES (which I saw at the theater with Daphane Siskaninitz and her brother Nickoli ),and this one.
Cronenbergs CRASH about made me puke....my ex-brother in law,Leroy, DID puke. We usta have a movie night...watch crazy horror or blaxpliotation films (I was onna blaxpo kick at the time) and I picked up this vhs at a yard sale. It was Cronenberg! I wasn't ready for the two guys feeling each other up...yeeeewwwwwwwww...! I turned it off. Not a drinking-with-the-guys typa flik.  :lookingup:

I finally got to see this!  It was just like you said it was.

i just watched 'lair of the white worm' over the weekend and it was amazing! it was like someone had taken some sunday afternoon miss-maple-esque nostlagia TV, complete with barbour jackets, manor houses and dreary english countryside, and then chucked in a load of outrageous nun-rapes, cheap gore and an extremely sexy snake woman.

this might be a spoiler but i loved the way that jim capaldi was able to play the bagpipes will keeping a live mongoose and a live grenade up his kilt. such concentration.

and it had big metal wangs. imdb should make that a ken russell director's trademark.

anyhow, it was awesome.

I'm glad you enjoyed it. As you can see from my username, it is one of my favorite films. Since you  did enjoy it, you might try some of these other films from Ken Russell.

Altered States
The Devils
The Music Lovers
Tommy
Women in Love

While these are regarded as being his best films, the one most similiar in style to "LOTWW" is probably "Tommy."