The H. P. Lovecraft Collection - Volume 2 – Rough Magik
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The Feature
“Rough Magik”: Each DVD has a centerpiece film, and this is the centerpiece for the second volume.
“Rough Magik” maddens me. I love individual parts of it, and I love the fact that the creators had the gumption to attempt a television series based on his Mythos. At the same time, I can’t ignore the problems that come from a low-budget effort that wants desperately to be cinematic.
Things start out well. A woman celebrates a holiday with her children, in her own particular style. Later, Mr. Moon (Paul Darrow) and the Night Scholars learn that she is a Dreamer, one of hundreds the world over. Dreamers are touched by the divine influence of Cthulhu, Lovecraft’s sleeping octopus-dragon God, who wants to return to his former glory and power. Night Scholars are an old secret society created to keep them in check. You know. That whole thing. Kenneth Reese Warren (Gerrard McArthur ) is a surviving Night Scholar. His regrettable experience in the Falklands proves the real subject of this story.
The biggest problem with the film is its inconsistent look. Opening scenes play on film, flashback scenes play on digital, and grainy stock footage is obvious when used. There’s an impression of hastiness in the episode; a beautifully lit scene on film might be followed by handheld digital shot. Then it might switch back again without warning. There’s never a chance for the style to ever establish itself. When dealing with Lovecraft, atmosphere is essential, and, here, it’s just sloppy.
This may be a very technical observation, but, even if the film would have a successful look, the story doesn’t really hold up. Most of the acting is serviceable, and the scenes with Warren’s platoon are not even that. Ever seen a high school video project? That’s about where these scenes hit, on a visceral level.
What sucks is that these problems come along with some great moments. The opening scene is sick and effective, and it establishes the stakes of the entire series. The filmed scenes with Warren and Mr. Moon look lovely. There’s a cool small effect with Michael Poole’s irises. I also admired the creators’ refusal to ever wink at the material. This type of plot isn’t terribly original, but they really go for the drama and reality of the situation.
Even then, the episode just doesn’t work. Some of that comes from its obvious limitations – Steven Parsons obviously hoped that this episode might spur interest and funding. It’s not supposed to be a one-off. Sadly, it is, and so I’m stuck with a film that was probably the best it could’ve been, given the circumstances. I just really wish those circumstances would’ve been better.
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The Shorts
“The Terrible Old Man”: This film is based on one of Lovecraft’s more basic and earthbound stories. Three crooks run afoul of a stubborn old man. This version beefs things up a bit, with grin-inducing dialogue like “Don’t bust his balls! . . . that’s my job.” The three main actors overplay, but that really just helps the film. Were this film a dramatic exercise, it would just be flaccid and dry. But that level of slight silliness makes it watchable as a guilty pleasure. Bob Fugger, the director, keeps things moving and achieves a real look and style with his film, something I found wanting in “Rough Magik.” The film is by no means a real success, but it has a weird attitude that I found engaging. Arguably the best thing on this set.
“From Beyond”: This is the first Lovecraft film by Bob Fugger, who went on to make, go figure, “The Terrible Old Man.” That one wasn’t too great, but it moved along, and Fugger managed some solid style. Here, things look awful. Tip for anyone adapting Lovecraft: if you don’t have the money, skip the special effects. Let the mood and acting do the work. CGI jellyfish do not induce cosmic terror. Bad acting is also a no-no.
“Worship Me Like a God”: A Lovecraft music video. If this sounds like a bad idea, that’s because – shock – it is. The music is unimpressive hard-rock coupled with lyrics that have little, if anything, to do with the quiet man from New England. I’m not saying different interpretations of Lovecraft are bad. I’m saying crappy ones are, especially ones by Darkest of the Hillside Thickets. Sorry guys.
“Colour Me Green”: As if one wasn’t bad enough, here’s another music video by renowned band Darkest of the Hillside Thickets. Ugh. One question: why the Froot Loops?
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The Extras:
“Rough Magik Commentary”: Steven W. Parsons provides honest, droll commentary where he doesn’t shy away from the problems on-screen and off (the director walked off towards the end of production). His comments mix admiration for what works well and regret about how he would’ve done things. I was amused when he bemoaned the excellent weather, which gave daytime scenes some unneeded cheeriness. If you go ahead and watch the feature, this is worth a listen.
“Rough Magik Slideshow”: So, uh, yeah. There’s a one-minute slideshow. You can catch a glimpse of Steven Parsons, who vamps it up for the camera.
“The Terrible Old Man Feature”: A genial bunch of crewmates talk about their work on the film, from its conception to its completion. Standard stuff. Fugger and his team admit to being a bit disorganized at the start, figuring stuff out as they go. Pretty surprising, considering how accomplished the film looked.
“S. T. Joshi Interview - II”: S. T. Joshi is still here, and he’s still talking about Lovecraft. He’s still boring, too. I suggested a new book during my last review, so here’s another way to learn about Lovecraft without this tepid interview: Wikipedia.
“Experiment 17 Trailer”: A preview for a film that examines the hidden connections between the Third Reich and the Necronomicon. Hey, I’m intrigued.
“Festival Openner”: Yet another trailer for the HPL Festival. This time, they ape the style of The Blair Witch Project. Filler.
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Out of the three Lovecraft collections, this one is by far the weakest. Completists may find some redeeming qualities in “Rough Magik” and “The Terrible Old Man,” but who buys DVD’s for a few redeeming qualities
