fav. ed wood film
Is this anyone else's favorite?
Admittingly, the weird editing and dialogue and narration and visuals of Glen or Glenda might make it the most influential to me, and the films I make (it was also a big influence on David Lynch, and it's easy to see why, and how). I know a LOT of people who really dig that one....
...but, all in all, it has more in common with experimental films, what with its surreal editing, and sense of disconnection. It came off as a kind of "film essay", at least the kind that Marker, Godard, Jost, and various others (mainly those who have dabbled, again, in experimental film) have made.
This movie is a "real" movie, if that makes sense; with scenes that flow, actors and actresses with names, and purposes. So, even though Glen or Glenda might be my favorite work of Wood's, this is my favorite FILM, overall, and perhaps one of the best examples of his talent.
Wood is, downright, a damn good director. He's certainly an interesting director. His films are entertaining. I mean, would I rather watch his stuff than, oh, Citizen Kane? The Godfather? LORD OF THE RINGS? Yes. Yes, I would. I'm sorry, but I just find his films more entertaining. This might get me crucified -- and trust me, I'm not ONLY into "Bad" films (my favorite films of all time include Taxi Driver, Tokyo Fist, Blow Out, Taste of Tea, Stalker, the works of Godard and Cronenberg and Mamet and Kitano and Ozu and Abbas and Hartley and... and... various other well-respected directors; if anyone's wondering, I've sat through Satantango at least 4 times now; besides some giallos and some of the better slasher films like MANIAC [1980] and NIGHTMARE IN A DAMAGED BRAIN, I really don't like horror very much; I generally like movies that are considered by the vast majority of film students as "good"). For example, I can see why people don't really get into something like PLAN 9.
But this film is just good. Fast-paced, strange, surreal, fun. The floating trombone! That bedsheet ghost, with the weird and humorous sound effects... I've seen this film maybe 6times in the last few years. I dig it a lot.
I managed to get the Ed Wood box set for $10. Totally worth it. Check it out.
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pre·ten·tious: characterized by assumption of dignity or importance.