Unlike the other DVDs in Lurker Films’ series, THE H.P. LOVECRAFT COLLECTION: VOLUME 4 – PICKMAN’S MODEL easily could have have been tagged as variations of a theme, since the bulk of the disc is comprised of three movies all based on the same short story: “Pickman’s Model.”
Up first, you have CHILEAN GOTHIC, which has an interesting take on the story, starting with a investigative reporter trying to find out what happened to a fellow reporter and friend. This brings him to an odd painter named Pickman and the dark secret behind his work.
This adaptation is the longest of the three and interesting in how the story is told. Even with its limited budget, the filmmakers work with the source material really well.
Next is the Italian version of “Pickman’s Model,” and also the best of the three and – perhaps not coincidentally – closet to Lovecraft’s actual story, right down to the great reveal at the end. This version is filled with great atmosphere, as opposed to the histrionics of CHILEAN GOTHIC.
Rounding out the trio is Cathy Welch’s “Texas version,” as it’s listed, and it’s the weakest of the three. To me, this 1980 black-and-whiter felt much like a student film. It sticks somewhat to the story, but just drags on and takes one too many detours from Lovecraft’s plot, instead focusing on an art historian who is writing a book, and Pickman being one of his subjects. It looks like Welch was influenced heavily by the French New Wave, and not for the good of the piece.
Beyond that, two non-”Pickman” shorts are included. One is BETWEEN THE STARS, which I couldn’t make heads or tails of; even its own director Djie Han Thung admits he doesn’t know what it’s about, either. The other is a little computer-animated number called IN THE VAULT, about a gravedigger who sees the error of his ways. Why no one else has done the computer route for H.P.’s stuff is anyone’s guess. Come on, Pixar, if you really want to show how talented you are, adapt some Lovecraft!
Only one special feature is included: a 10-minute interview with authors Ramsey Campbell and Bob Price, who discuss Lovecraft’s work. This fourth volume makes a fine addition to the other DVDs in the series – even if you hate subtitles. Deal with it, since otherwise, you will miss out on some interesting visions from different sets of eyes. –Bruce Grossman
Buy it at Amazon or Lurker Films.
OTHER RECENT BOOKS 2 FILM REVIEWS:
• BOOKS 2 FILM >> Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film
• BOOKS 2 FILM >> Michael Shayne Mysteries: Volume 1
• BOOKS 2 FILM >> Silver Bullet
OTHER BOOKGASM REVIEWS OF THIS SERIES:
• BOOKS 2 FILM >> The H.P. Lovecraft Collection: Volume 2 – Rough Magik
• BOOKS 2 FILM >> The H.P. Lovecraft Collection: Volume 3 – Out of Mind
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Maybe Guillermo Del Toro’s adaptation of At the Mountains of Madness will do Lovecraft justice.
Take care,
Troy
Troy I’m right with you on that one if there is one director that I’ve got the faith to do Lovecraft justice its Del Toro
Thanks for the great review!
Regarding del Toro’s ATMOM… he showed me the storyboards, and the mockups for the albino penguins and the Shuggoth infected crew member… if he can can get the 100 million he is looking for this film will rock and do Lovecraft justice. Guillermo really gets the cosmic horror aspect and he understands Lovecraft. I truly cannot wait for this to happen. Last time I spoke to him he was short at least 40 million and he refuses to do it for less than 100 million. So we wait and I hope that the success of Pan’s Labyrinth and hopefully success of Hellboy 2 will get this project off the ground.
cheers