Often called the worst director in the history of cinema, Ed Wood is nevertheless a beloved figure among cult-film aficionados for his oddball productions. This documentary takes a look back at Wood's unique career at the margins of 1950s Hollywood, speaking to those who loved him and hated him. Bela Lugosi Jr. discusses his father's work in the abysmal "Plan 9 From Outer Space," while a Baptist reverend recalls how he was tricked into financing the film.
Reviews
For starters - This potentially promising bio-documentary that focused in on Ed Wood (who has been unanimously voted "Worst Director of All Time") gave this somewhat dissatisfied viewer the clear impression that underneath the surface of all of his undeniable incompetence there lurked a man of great directorial genius.This, of course, is a matter that is open to some serious debate since I, personally, do not believe this to be true of Wood.But, contrary to what my opinion might be - All of the comments made by those interviewed here who knew and worked with Wood gave one the clear impression that his greatness was, indeed, there, but it was never given the chance to "come-out-of-the-closet" (like his cross-dressing did).Anyway - This 110-minute documentary certainly had both its fair share of good moments, as well as its not-so-good moments.And, so - As the sad and pathetic story of Ed Wood finally comes to its inevitable close - He died in 1978, at the age of 54, a hopeless alcoholic and an utter failure as a director.
Haunted World of Edward D. Wood, Jr., The (1996) **** (out of 4)Wonderful documentary about the life and times of the legendary and infamous director of various "Z" films including Glen or Glenda?, Bride of the Monster and the notorious Plan 9 From Outer Space. This documentary features interviews with various people who worked with Wood including Vampira, Dolores Fuller, Paul Marco, Conrad Brooks, Loretta King, Norma McCarty, Reverend Lynn Lemon, Lyle Talbot and Harry Thomas. Bela Lugosi, Jr. started a storm of controversy with his rather stupid comments here where he calls Wood a "loser and a user". This might not be too bad if Lugosi, Jr. even knew a single thing or had seen any of these films. Several horror historians who have interviewed Lugosi Jr. have stated that he has seen and knows very little work of his father's so to make certain comments like he does here was very stupid but he did end up taking them back. The documentary does a great job at telling us everything we need to know about the director including stuff about his early life and his days during WW2 where he actually fought in some of the most brutal battles of the war. The history and behind the scenes look at his infamous horror movies is certainly the highlight here as we get all sorts of great stories about how these films were made and we also get a lot of rumors laid to rest. The film runs nearly 2-hours but it never gets boring and it really does a great job at showing this man, although the film doesn't go into much of his late 60's, early 70's work in the adult industry.
Being an independent filmmaker and a huge fan of Edward D. Wood Jr. I purchased this documentary believing that this would finally set the record straight on how gifted and brilliant Ed Wood actually was. What I got was a disappointing self-centered, conflictive, contradictory compilation of bitter self-aggrandizing has-beens. Where people DO remember Ed Wood Jr., do people actually remember the second cousin of the guy with the duct tape who knew someone who was in Plan Nine From Outer Space? It appears as though, the very minute there is a renewed interest in Ed Wood, these people come out of the "Wood"work! Only to take mean spirited swipes at someone who actually gave them a chance when no-one else would! After 50 years I would suggest that many of these people should let go of the fact that they didn't get the $75 they were promised!Ed Wood was a brilliant creative filmmaker who knew how to entertain. In-fact that was ALL he lived for. You may giggle when you see Ed's films, but somehow you are aware that you are laughing WITH him, and not AT him. But, I digress... Back to the film at hand. If you are expecting a film ABOUT Edward D. Wood Jr., you won't get it here. If you want a film about cranky bitter old actors, this is the film for you!
It was the Nu-Art theatre in a rundown part of Hollywood, and I got autographs from Dolores Fuller, Conrad (Kelso) Brooks, Paul Marco, Forrest J Ackerman (YAY Uncle Forry! Also toured his Mansion of Horror- SciFi memoribilia later that week), & Rev Lyn Lemon- the Baptist pastor whose church financed Plan 9 (a tall gracious dignified man, not as all as portrayed in the Tim Burton film which many saw as slanderous of Bela, whose son was also at the premier.)The best Hollywood experience of my several visits there!Btw, it's an informative & fun movie!