The Calico from Hanna-Barberaβs Godzilla animated series
The HEAT Seeker from GODZILLA: THE SERIES
Outpost 18 from MONARCH: LEGACY OF MONSTERS
It isnβt a US-produced Godzilla TV show if it doesnβt have a big boat β΄οΈ
New Ko-fi post! I uploaded a transcript of my video introduction to GORGO for Archaeo-Heritage Film. Read here: ko-fi.com/Post/GORGO-A...
βOne of the greatest films never finished. One of Hollywoodβs most dangerous alliances. One enduring legend.β
My new book THE CURSE OF QUEEN KELLY will be published this month by @stickingplacebk.bsky.social β on 27 March, Gloria Swansonβs birthday, no less.
stickingplacebooks.com/books/the-cu...
Congrats Pamela!!
ICYMI!π
The video intro to GORGO I filmed for Archeo-Heritage Film is available to watch now on YouTube! I'm proud of this one, and very satisfied with the parallels I draw between the film and a particularly dark period in Ireland's history. Enjoy! π
youtu.be/eH9XyJMnvrU?...
Thanks!
Man, I wish I could be there!
Sooo wish I could have been there!
David Lynch saying βOne day, the sadness will end. But I donβt think todayβs the day.β
New translation!
This week Iβve translated the short documentary Ise-Shima, the 1949 directorial debut from the man behind Godzilla, Ishiro Honda!
Enjoy the start of one of the most famous names in movies, the first instance of underwater filming in Japan, and lots of post-war anxieties!
The programme notes I wrote for tomorrow's Gamera screenings at BFI Southbank (4K restorations of GAMERA, GAMERA VS. BARUGON, and GAMERA VS. GYAOS!) are available to read, download, and print now: tinyurl.com/BFIgameranotes
I am once again asking for a boutique Blu-ray label to license Tomoo Haraguchiβs terrific sword-and-spooks actioner SAKUYA: THE SLAYER OF DEMONS. So much to love - not least cameos from the creature cast of the β60s YOKAI MONSTERS movies and special effects by Shinji Higuchi!
I cannot listen to podcasts while travelling, walking, etc. I have to be doing something a physical task at the same time - perfect time to do the dishes or hang the washing up
Enjoy! π
A pencil sketch of Gamera angrily slamming his hand down to block an ICE terrorist from kidnapping a child (whom Gamera holds in his other hand, well away from the thug).
ICE is no friend of children.
#fuckICE
The Fucking BBC!
GAMERA, GAMERA VS. BARUGON, and GAMERA VS. GYAOS screen at BFI Southbank this Saturday (28 Feb) in brand-new 4K restorations! This marks the first time these editions will be shown theatrically outside Japan. The films are accompanied by specially written programme notes fresh from my desk πππ©Έ
The appeal of Eva to me has always been the voice of its creator and that gorgeous 90s 2d animation so if it doesn't have those two things, I struggle a little. I prefer it as a work of art rather than a brand. I will watch this new thing but I can't really get excited for it.
So much to love
Absolutely bloody loved BRUSH OF THE GOD, the first and final film by master monster maker KeizΓ΄ Murase. Astonishing that such an intricate work of whimsical, practical high fantasy came from a first time (!) feature director in his late 80s. Thereβll never be another.
Letβs hope heβs not just the one high profile arrest designed to placate us.
the snake girl and the silver-haired witch (θε¨γ¨η½ι«ͺι) (1968).
Plus, it has the ever dependable ShirΓ΄ Sano giving a terrifically detached lead performance, perfectly balancing his characterβs condescending indifference, dangerous naΓ―vetΓ©, and inner darkness. Watch it here: youtu.be/38fTinumkk0?...
Recently watched TBSβ TV movie adaptation of THE SHADOW OVER INNSMOUTH from 1992. Its lo-fi, shot-on-video visuals compliment the liminality of Lovecraftβs story perfectly, while doing away with much of his shallow exoticism and (IMO) over-mythologising. Highly recommended!
π
(I introduced it in Bristol last year π π)
