For those cinema history buffs, this episode is a pure treat. Jensen Ackles proves that if he had been born about sixty years earlier, he’d have been an iconic Hollywood leading man. He plays his part as well as it’s written; dashing, sexy, charming, funny, tough yet tender, a selfless hero, irresistible, and basically every woman’s dream. Not that he isn’t those things already, but his performance for this particular setup reminded us why Jimmy Stewart, Clark Gable, and Cary Grant were all so popular. At least those of us who watch Turner Classic Movies.
It’s well known that Citizen Kane changed all the rules of filmmaking in 1941. One thing it popularized (and extended) was deep focus, or a large range of focus in which the foreground, middle, and background are all in sharp clarity. “Monster Movie” followed the pre-Citizen Kane rules with shallow focus in which the characters were clear and the background fuzzy. The shots weren’t as wide either. Robert Singer, the director, deserves huge congratulations for pulling off such an antiquated style with modern day equipment.
There are other techniques that identified the era as well. Intentional clues are clearly shown, like the close-up on the napkin with the lipstick. Clues aren’t so heavy-handed these days. Also, location shots were unheard of at the time, so every scene was recreated in a studio. In this episode, the lovers in the parked car, complete with fog and fake backdrop, intentionally had that studio feel. Otherwise it would have looked sorely out of place.
The lighting had to have been difficult to master, for it involved plenty of dark shadows with just enough filtered light to illuminate a face or sign and scare us with figures emerging from the dark. Even the score is recreated perfectly. Horror film scores in the 1930s were considered revolutionary because of their use of twelve-tone scales and their role for atmosphere as opposed to evoking strong emotion. In other words, this was before the days when Hitchcock decided screeching violins could scare the crap out of us as much as the characters themselves.
Article comments
1 - coltshot_1
I loved the B&W and the stylistic camera work and lighting. The episode was a lot of fun and I thought both Jared and Jensen did a great job. The only 'off' bit to me was the back story/rationalization given by the shifter. I didn't find it heartbreaking in the slightest. Since they opened the show with a great line about getting back to 'black and white monster hunt', I had hopes that the monster would be less grey than we've been getting lately. After all, Dean was apparently pure as the driven snow . . . LOL! I agree with the A- overall excellent, fun episode.
2 - lostinspace
Love your new format with the episode analysis from a different angle. I too rather enjoyed the show, it was a nice break from the angsty apocalyptic path our brothers were headed on. One thing you didn't mention (which I loved) was the faithful yet creative soundtrack. I *almost* didn't miss our classic rock this time, and loved every sound effect (strings, thunder et al) and choice of music (the absurd transition from Bach to casio-playing Ed was hilarious).
As for what movie I'd live in? Princess Bride :)
3 - Derry
I loved this episode in every possible way. I'm not an afficiando of the B&W horror movie genre, but I've caught enough of them on late night (or mid-afternoon) TV to recognise the style and appreciate how well it was recreated here. Ben Edlund's sense of humour always cracks me up. And it's truly uncanny how UTTERLY 'Classic Hollywood Movie Star' Jensen Ackles looks when you put him in a suit and film him in B&W.
And Dean's choice of the movie that he'd want to LIVE in being Porky's II makes a whole lot of sense to me. That doesn't mean it's his favourite movie to watch. From other comments, it would seem that Dean watchs a lot of trashy horror flicks and action adventure movies, but why would he want to live in one of those? His life is already an action/adventure/horror film. I can't see him wanting to live in smaltzy feelgood film like "It's a Wonderful Life" (even if he does now believe in angels) and definitely not some chick-flicky romantic comedy. But he'd want to live in his own version of a feelgood film. And even though I haven't seen any of the Porky's films, from what I've heard/read about the plot and style (okay I wiki-ed it after I watched the episode), that sort of movie with sexy hijinks and broad humour, etc would sort of be the macho guy's version of a "chick flick" (Hmmm... would that make it a "dick flick"? Sorry.) I can see Dean wanting to live that as his no danger and no responsibility dream movie life. Just saying.
4 - elle2
I loved it. Huge praise to Ben Edlund for his writing but as you articulated, directing, lighting, music, costumes (hee, hee, lederhosen) and set design...I'm sure I missed someone and for that I'm truly sorry but all that effort paid off enormously. It was funny, touching, a little angst and overall enjoyable to watch.
The story worked so well because Dean and Sam were true to themselves while everyone else got to play to the absurdity, fantastic balance. And who thought of the Casio player in the theater, what a fantastic gag and Jared truly shines as a comedic actor (and he gets the action and emotional stuff done right as well)
Loved it and am eagerly counting down to this Thursdays as well. This season: 5/5 excellent episodes.
elle2
5 - Elle
I like the new format and that the recaps are still available. You're wonderful, Alice!
This was a great episode, nice reprieve from the intense drama. I loved when Dean holds up the bucket of dry ice and Sam, unable to hide his frustration - "This is stupid!" I can't even think about this episode without laughing.
Everything was so true to the genre. And the scooter get-away? Noveau Classic, I'll say. Even though this was a funny episode, it still managed to be the most classic Supernatural-esque episode of the season thus far.
Can't wait to see what this week brings!
6 - hermit
Thanks for the review Alice and I agree totally that Jensen would have made a fantastic leading man back in the romantic screen star days.
However, I also think he'd make a great leading man today. He has the talent, and the looks. He can do comedy, drama, horror, and just everyday man perfectly. Hopefully after his SN stint, more doors will open for this very talented and versatile actor.
I also loved this episode. It wasn't totally fantastic, but it was a great little gem and I do like Edlund.
7 - LindsayW
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new format and will continue to read the recaps on your personal page.
And BTW, GREAT Channel 20 reference! You're a Detroit girl at heart!
8 - Mary
I'll love to read your comments no matter what format you use, Alice!
This episode delighted me; I was laughing my head off at every traditional horror trope. I do wish mainstream Hollywood would recognize Jensen's classic versatility, though. I'm very happy that Supernatural has given him such a flexible stage, but I certainly hope that directors and producers are watching!!
9 - Scarlotti
This ep was a flat-out masterpiece. I loved every frame of it. I grew up on the old Universal horror films and still use them as the benchmark for judging horror. From the moment that the old-time WB logo appeared on the opening credits, I was hooked. It was funny (hilarious!) and scary -- and I thought the story was a classic. I realize I'm in the minority here, but I found it extremely inventive and, yes, tragic. The first half of the plot keeps you guessing as to the nature of the monster/s, while the latter half reveals the monster to be a shapeshifting cinephile who kills because he's lonely (and abused/tormented throughout his life) and wants to remake his life story as a classic horror film. They don't get any better than this.
As for the film I'd choose to base my life on: "I Sailed To Tahiti With An All-Girl Crew," 1968. The title pretty much says it all ;-D
10 - Huppy
Thanks for doing both a recap and a review of the SN episodes, Alice.
I really liked Monster Movie. I like movies from the 30's and 40's, although my taste runs more to the comedy/musical ones than the horror ones.
Monster Movie was funny and really echoed the old movies, as well as retaining the SN quirkiness. The musical score in particular was perfect, and I liked the credits and the Intermission.
I am glad that SN is willing to take chances and do something different every now and then.
11 - Heather
This episode is definitely going on my list of fav SPN episodes of all time.
12 - Robin Vogel
I loved this ep, too, Alice, especially the spunky heroine, Jamie. I'm so glad she dh-hymenated Dean, LOL!
I've always wanted to be Pollyanna, which is ironic because I needed back surgery when I was only 20 years old! I guess what I REALLY wanted was to have a whole town turn out to see me on my way for a major operation because I taught them the meaning of GLADNESS.
As always, I love your SUPERNATURAL articles, Alice! Keep 'em coming!
Love, Robin