Rough Trade Friday: Swamp Thing
Long before Wes Craven began his meteoric rise to fame in the horror film industry with the invention of Freddy Kruger, Wes Craven was an English teacher at Westminster College... and I suspect he was a bit of a comic fan, too. However, that was before comics were winning literary awards and whatnot, so it's no wonder he didn't fess up to it at the time.
However, between directing The Hills Have Eyes and the first Nightmare on Elm Street, the man took a turn at a comic-based movie in the form of Swamp Thing. While not an amazing piece of cinema, it was decently-reviewed (including some glowing praise from Roger Ebert) for the way in which it balances between cult-classic and guilty pleasure. It was certainly a low-budget film, but the makeup was fun, Dick Durock was a good choice for the titular role thanks to his raw physicality, and the South Carolina scenery made for some beautiful swampy environments.
Of course, the movie follows the mythos of Swamp Thing established before Alan Moore's run on the second series, but it makes an effort to portray Alec Holland's alter-ego as a being who happens to be deeper than one would think at first glance. There are a number of moments which betray the philosopher within, such as when Swamp Thing is admiring the beauty of a flower and when he sadly gazes at a picture in a locket. It's those elements which make the movie work as something more than a shallow comic-based action flick; cheesy as the movie is, there's a depth here which make it truly enjoyable... not to mention the cast's enthusiasm provide a true sense of fun.
While Swamp Thing certainly isn't going to appeal to the broadest swath of comic fans, those of us who grew up on his series have a certain place in our hearts for the guy. As a result, this week's Rough Trade Friday film suggestion will provide us with a welcome blend of camp and nostalgia.
Boy of Tomorrow
Posted to Trade Paperback on 17 August 2007
Other stuff like this: alan moore, cheesy, horror, rough trade friday, swamp thing, wes craven
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