Gothic (1986)

[Joe the Destroyer]

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.     

[Javakoala]

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.

[Underbelly]

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

[Doggett]

Oh, sounds intresting...

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

[Cthulhu]

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

[Skull]

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.

[Paquita]

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

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! 

[Moreau]

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.

[Skull]

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... :)

[Joe the Destroyer]

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

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. 

[bladerunnerblues]

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"
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?

[Rev. Powell]

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. 

[metalmonster]

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

[BoyScoutKevin]

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.

[RCMerchant]

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.