Fans of the horror genre should be familiar with Hammer Films. Now, I freely admit that my knowledge of Hammer's history is shoddy at best and non-existent at worst. What I do know is that they have been a highly influential studio for decades. Through the 1960s and 1970s they produced some absolutely classic horror films, many starring legends Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Their films included fresh takes on the classics such as Dracula and Frankenstein, not to mention such oddities as The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires. Simply put, if you like horror, you owe it to yourself to get some Hammer films in your collection.
Now, this production start is notable because there has not been a Hammer film released since To the Devil a Daughter back in 1976. It will be interesting to see if this new film will be able to capture the feel of classic Hammer.
The Wake Wood is based on an original screenplay by David Keating and Brendan McCarthy. It concerns a couple (a vet and a pharmacist) grieving the loss of their 9-year-old daughter to a vicious dog attack. They move to a small town where they learn that an ancient pagan ritual can give them three more days with their daughter.
This idea seems to be right for the Hammer banner, with potential for visceral scenes mixed with a healthy dose of psychological horror. The decision to move forward with the ritual cannot be an easy one, not to mention what happens at the end of the third day?
I have to say that I am eagerly awaiting this film, although I am not sure if it is the idea of it or the Hammer banner that has me more excited.
AMC Pulls Hounddog
It is being reported at IMDb.com that Dakota Fanning's latest film, Hounddog, has been pulled from AMC-owned theaters. The removal of the film from the chain's schedule came as a result of mounting pressure from family values groups.
Last year, when the film debuted, it was widely reported that there was a scene in the film that depicted Fanning's character being raped. Rape is obviously a touchy subject and an important issue that must be dealt with. It also appears that the very inclusion of such a scene is sure to send certain groups into an absolute frenzy. The outcry began last year, when the film was originally slated to open, and time has not lessened the blow.
Article comments
1 - Brad Laidman
I love Ebert - he's got some biases that I understand, but he's always got his heart in the right place and he's always eloquent.
Don't ever expect Roger to give a bad review to Spike Lee or Martin Scorcese, but I can live with that.
It's interesting because I live in Cleveland and spent all morning reading about how the Cleveland Plain Dealer took their expert classical music critic off of his beat after 16 years for being too negative toward the Cleveland Orchestra.
2 - Jordan Richardson
Great piece by Ebert. Thanks for providing that, Chris. I'm really enjoying your news bites. Cool stuff!
3 - Chris Beaumont
Thanks Jordan, just trying to expand what little I can offer. Sometimes these things are just great reads (not my comments, the original columns), and I just love Ebert, the guy is above all else a fan of movies. Not many "get it" the way he gets it.