Plot
A fossilised claw from a creature
living in the Devonian period is discovered in a remote part of the Amazon
and could provide some missing answers as to how aquatic life evolved into
land-based animals. A scientific expedition heads up the river in an attempt
to find further fossils or evidence but encounter something even more
shocking - a living version of the creature.
Review
It's an often used saying that the old
ones are the best and in relation to films like Creature from the Black
Lagoon, that statement is 100% spot on. Although made over twenty years
later than Universal's classic films like Frankenstein, Dracula
and The Wolf Man which turned their literary monsters into cinematic
legends, the "Gill Man" creature here has become part of vintage monster
movie lore too. It's an iconic film. It's an influential film. It's a
classic piece of filmmaking. It has stood the test of time and even towers
over modern day horror like an empowering god. Featuring the best cinematic
monster since King Kong was shot down from the Empire State Building in
1933, Creature from the Black Lagoon can stir the nostalgia as much
as it wants because it was a classic back in 1954 and it's still a classic
today.
Creature from the Black
Lagoon has dated somewhat in the fact that it's just not scary anymore
and it's quite plodding at times. I'm sure it was scary and "full of action"
for the time but in this modern era of audiences demanding non-stop thrills
and spills, it just doesn't do enough to keep younger viewers happy. But at
a slender 79 minutes, the film can little afford to waste any time and it
doesn't. The pace is generally good and the creature isn't lurking around
the depths too long before we get a good look at it. And let's face it, the success of the film boils
down to the believability of the monster. In the "Gill Man" we have one
of the greatest movie monsters ever made. The creature is not only a unique
creation which has spawned countless imitations over the years but it's hard
to really comprehend just how flexible, agile and realistic it actually is
and this is a credit to the costume design for making the suit. The natural movements of the creature underwater
are down to the expert swimming skills of Ricou Browning and it's truly
remarkable to see how well the effects stand up today. In the 50+ years
since it has been made, there have been few monsters that have come to life
as vividly and realistic as this. Apart from the
inevitable "hold hands out in front like Frankenstein and walk slowly
towards the camera" movements that all
50s monsters seem to be lumbered with, the creature comes off as
intelligent, curious and scared. Not only are the humans encountering this
creature for the first time but the reverse is also true and it's like
watching a child as the Gill Man comes to terms with his new human pursuers.
Even little things like his gills moving when he breathes on land just add
little bits of character to him and the composer even gives him a thundering
theme tune every time he appears.
The film is superbly shot.
You always know that old films like this were filmed in studios because they
usually have rubbish sets and some awful rear projection. But this one
really gives you the impression that they went down the Amazon. The
cinematography is superb above the water but below it, it's simply
breathtaking. Underwater filming was in it's infancy back in the day so to
see it stand up brilliantly today is a testament to the hard work that
everyone put in. The underwater scene in which the Gill Man mimics the
actions of Julie Adams as she swims is beautiful. Although who can blame
him? Adams is gorgeous and one of the finest that the 50s had to offer. His
reasons for wanting to take her back to his cave may be more laughable and
nudge, nudge, wink, wink but he gets the sympathy vote every time because
he's just protecting his turf and happens to fall in love with the hottest
thing in probably a 9000 mile radius. The other humans lend their
considerable talents to add to the film. Richard Carlson is the humanitarian
scientist who wants to preserve the creature for the benefits of science
whereas the contrasting Richard Denning is the greedy financial backer who
wants the creature dead or alive to become famous. The two men both have
Adams in their sights and spend the better part of the film trying to
impress her and win her over so it's ironic that the Gill Man is the one who
just forgets the war of words and goes in all guns blazing to take what he
wants.
Verdict
It's impact may have been diluted
over the years but there's no question that The Creature from the Black
Lagoon is one of the daddies of the monster movie genre, arguably second
to only King Kong in it's legacy. A remarkable piece of
cinema from a bygone era and one of the single most-defining horror films
ever made.
