The climactic confrontation between Cthulhu and the ill-fated sailors, "The Madness from the Sea" segment of the film corresponding to the same section in the short story, is another fine example of doing much with little. Again, model and greenscreen work, and imaginative, full-scale sets combine to realize the otherworldliness of Cthulhu and his "hideous monolith-crowned citadel" jutting up from the sea. The use of stop-motion to portray Cthulhu, for the most part, does not work well here, and should have been eschewed for a more shadowy, mostly hidden from view perspective of the thing that
...cannot be described - there is no language for such abysms of shrieking and immemorial lunacy, such eldritch contradictions of all matter, force, and cosmic order.
The documentary on the DVD describes the tenacity, angst, and artistic juryrigging that made this film a reality. It also provides an informative introduction to the Lovecraftianites that would not let a miniscule budget stand in their way.
The Call of Cthulhu is an entertaining and faithful cinematic version of the classic story, and required viewing by any self-proclaimed Lovecraft aficianado.
Article comments
1 - Triniman
There'a a 'Tallica song with the same name.
2 - Dave Nalle
Nice to see a review of this. I was working on one as well, but haven't had time to get to it. A really intriguing film with a lot of interesting visual cleverness.
Dave
3 - Bryan McKay
I managed to catch a bit of this at the Boston Underground Film Festival this year. It really is a terrific piece - I'm glad to see it getting some publicity!