Vincent Price: 10/05/03 - 10/11/03

[Morticia]

Just as a change of pace, and at your request, we are discussing bodies of works by a particular actor or director. Let's see how you like this!

So -- let's compare and contrast early works by the same director, discuss film techniques and choice of cinematographer or composer, what have you.

Because it's October, I've picked two of my favorite 'neo-classic' horror movie stars, and two very intriguing horror movie directors. So don't forget to add what makes them so scary.

Run wild, shall we? Discuss!

Vincent Price made his screen debut in 1938, and after many minor roles he began to perform in low-budget horror movies such as House of Wax (1953), achieving his first major success with House of Usher (1960). Known for his distinctive, low-pitched, creaky, atmospheric voice, and his quizzical, mock-serious facial expressions, he went on to star in a series of acclaimed Gothic horror movies, such as Pit and the Pendulum (1961) and Abominable Dr. Phibes, The (1971).
(from imdb)

[reapersaurus]

I have nothing knowledgeable to say, just that he's always been a "cool" older film personality - I'd wager to say that almost everyone likes him or his work at least. How could you not?

Also, I thought it was smart and cool of him to add his voice to both Michael Jackson's Thriller, and particularly Tim Burton's short film, Vincent.

[Morticia]

Price made over 100 films, from animated Disney films ("The Great Mouse Detective") to film classics ("Laura") to costume dramas ("Dragonwyck" and two versions each of "Tower of London" and "The Three Musketeers") but he's most remembered for his horror roles.

I have lots of Price films. He worked with two very *interesting* directors in the late 50s and 60s -- Roger Corman and William Castle.

William Castle was a B-movie mogul, if there could be one. He made many low-budget horror movies and promoted the HECK out of them. In every film there was some kind of gimmick. Castle used Vincent Price well in "House on Haunted Hill" and "The Tingler" (both 1959).

Roger Corman probably needs no introduction, but he's notorious for not simply B-movies, but super low budget ones shot on ridiculously short schedules. I think some of his best work was done with Vincent Price -- these were loose adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe films. The first one was "House of Usher" (1960), and 8 more were filmed over the next 5 years.

Why do I like Vincent so much? I think it's cause of his demeanor. He was a big guy (6'4") with an unusual voice. And he always seemed to be having fun in his horror roles. I enjoy his non-horror films but he seems to me to be uncomfortable in them -- but when he can chew scenery and be devlish and project that voice, he seems quite comfortable. No, I don't find him "scary" -- creepy may be more like it. Try watching "House of Usher" on a dark and stormy night. Alone. His Roderick is tortured and overwrought. The atmosphere and performance are both very unsettling.