If Looks Could Kill - Graphic Art & Design

I’m a sucker for anything with Samuel L. Jackson in it, and this afternoon I paid dearly for it. Not to mention, Christina Ricci with a 40lb chain slung ’round her hips. As you can see from the movie poster, it looks quite pulpy and tantalizing.

It is a lurid and voyeuristic journey into the scuzzy underbelly of po’dunk living, the abuse that goes on, the cycles that perpetuate.

Somehow, after a lifetime of trauma, Rae has has a breakthrough after being chained up by Lazarus for a coupla days. A cheesy little number ensues, “I’m gonna let it shine,” performed by Ricci.

I’ve read reviews, implying that the marketing was disastrous, and that anyone looking for the steamy pic the poster suggests will be sorely disappointed. However, they went on to imply that the meaning would be “too heavy” for anyone seeing it based on it’s pulpy representation. To that I say, “fuck you,” because really, I think the fare was too fucking light - cavalier in its portrayal of abuse/trauma victims and their recovery.

But on the lighter side, it really was NOT sexual enough, the ads, trailers and movie posters are grossly mispresentative. It is quite the showcase for Christina Ricci’s beautiful physique as she fights, flails and writhes, all while scantily clad.

Overall, an awkwardly-paced movie that drags out for two hours and trivializes serious issues without even the redemption of being glorious violent pulp. I blame the director, editor and the advertising for misleading.

Great acting, just poor execution overall. Also, God-Shmooking abound in this movie but I was too irritated by other points to be annoyed by it. That says something.

I have such high hopes for this movie. Reviews so far are as follows:

4 out of 5 Bloody Meat Cleavers at Dread Central
4.3 out of 10 (or 26% Rotten) at Rotten Tomatoes (Whatever this means, I do not get their rating system at all.)

Otherwise, it would appear the movie was not released for screening, not uncommon for the horror genre that critics love to poop on!

I like that this prequel focuses on the making of the monster, for they all have their own story and motivations. Details on the plot and a pretty picture here.

by Angel of Malevolence. I totally dig this, she totally captured my essence. I especially like the blackened eyes peering from the darkened sockets, complimented by the undead pallor. :)

Along the horror vein, a limited number of VIP passes remain for the impending Texas Frightmare Weekend, get in while you can, the Guest List is an exciting one, for any horror fan. I nearly passed out when Sid Haig and Bill Moseley were added - as if Doug Bradley and Ken Foree were not reason enough to attend! *swoon*

In other news, Hannibal Rising opens this weekend. I find myself actually wanting to journey out to see it in theaters, instead of waiting for the DVD as I typically do.

My cherished fiend, Angel of Malevolence, broke this sad news to me:

Canadian-born, Yvonne De Carlo - more widely known as Lily Munster - died on Monday, January 8th, 2007.

Abandoned by her father at 3, her mother worked as a waitress to support them. She encouraged her lively and entertaining child, who often staged impromptu neighborhood plays, with dance lessons.They moved to Hollywood when she was 15 to pursue fame, then back to Canada, returning in later years where she did achieve notoriety.

I would love to find a copy of this movie, American Gothic, one of her later movies about a lunatic family.

( Story | Images | Biography )

It seems that little is known about the inner-workings of the man. Here’s what I found interesting:

• His staff labored at the rate of one second of screen time a month during production of Sleeping Beauty - a direct result of his scrutiny and high aesthetic standards.
• He did not go to his father’s funeral, a man described as “cold, rigid and judgmental”
• Pinnochio lost money and Fantasia bombed (in terms of cost vs. box office payoff), thereby eliminating plans to collaborate with Salvador Dali. God-effing-dammit!
• During WWII, Disney made mostly military training and propaganda movies. (See bizarre, child-friendly Mickey Mouse gas mask, shown above.)

Source: this article about this book I would like to read.

Chainsaw Revisited

It’s amazing how many people do not know the true events the movies are loosely based upon - Ed Gein and nothing more. Watching the interviews of local people in my area, most believe there actually was a family of nuts nearby.

Look for more horror-tinged posts as Halloween draws nearer. I am savoring and luxuriating in all the ghostly and horror-themed programming.

Off to work on a seance themed piece! A devil doll is in the works as well. I may offer her up for grabs, unless I become too attached. Pictures to follow when finished.