This isn't the first movie to be made recently despite the fact that it utilises classic silent movie methods. Dracula: Pages From a Virgin's Diary is the only other one I've seen, but I'm sure there's more besides. This adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's classic story, The Call of Cthulhu is more faithful to the original works of the great writer than the likes of films such as Re-Animator and From Beyond; but cinematically, it just doesn't work as well. Don't get me wrong, I love many classic silent movies; but Lovecraft's work is too inventive to really be given a good adaptation in this style. The film follows the story of a man searching for a diabolical cult that worships the god 'Cthulhu'. The majority of the film, therefore, follows a man reading up on the cult, and it isn't until the end, when the god finally turns up, that the film really becomes exciting. I respect The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society immensely for having the drive to put this film together, as any kind of innovation in the modern horror genre is to be welcomed with open arms, but it's clear that the filmmakers didn't have enough budget, and the silent movie gimmick isn't enough to keep the entire film interesting - even if it is only 47 minutes long. This story would be better served with a modern adaptation, and I'm pleased to say that it's getting one in 2006. On the whole, this silent version is worth watching due to the fact that it's tried to do something different and adapt the master's work 'faithfully' - but it's not a great film.
Review of The Call of Cthulhu
