Evil Dead - Die Saat des Bösen

This movie is a must see, IF you've read the story and like it, and IF you've seen the other adaptation, "The Haunted Palace" with Vincent Price. Sure, this story is a bit different than the book. It's set in the modern day, and Charles Ward is a well-paid chemist at Belmar Cosmetics, not a young antiquarian débutante. And instead of Doctor Willet being the principle investigator, John Marsh P.I. is (nice nod to the Innsmouth stories with that last name).

Aside from those differences necessary to bring this into the modern day, and aside from a very slight difference in how Joseph Curwen is ultimately dealt with, this follows the story in the book. It's all there: the portrait, the neighbor Fenner, the house in Pawtucket, and of course the underground labs of J.C. Curwen. There are story sequences set in Colonial times to build the story as well, and they are nicely done. But the real crowning glory of this movie is the sets they built for Curwens underground lab. They are MARVELOUS. Everything is there: the sanity blasting carvings, the "mistakes and screw-ups" raised from Imperfect salts, and the jars of Materia.

I highly recommend this movie. I'm still treasuring my copy on Laser Disk and hoping that it someday comes out on DVD. Production is top notch, as is the music and of course the story.

This is a decent Lovecraftian movie, certainly demanding more attention. I think Dan o Bannon ( with whom I incidentally share my b'day) knows how to create tension, setting and atmosphere while maintaining a fast pace at the same time. Some of the creature shots are pretty good although it does suffer from some minute bad stop motion effects occasionally . I really liked the hero character as well( who had a hint of Sam o Neil) , very traditionally one dimensional but that's how they really should be in a story that leads specifically up to the conclusion of just one main mystery. You really don't need any unnecessary sub plots or character arcs in a Lovecraftian story. I would recommend watching this all tucked up and cozy on a winter's night before going to bed.

The Resurrected is a peculiar entry into the Lovecraftian horror genre, and it's a shame that this 1991 film hasn't garnered more attention from horror enthusiasts. It's an oddity, a slow-burn horror that blends neo-noir, science fiction, and supernatural elements, resulting in a somewhat confusing yet intriguing cinematic experience.

This film, directed by Dan O'Bannon of Alien and Return of the Living Dead fame, is a clear labor of love. O'Bannon's influence is evident throughout, with the film bearing the marks of a director passionate about crafting a unique and unsettling experience. Unfortunately, while the film has its merits, it also has its fair share of shortcomings, which may explain why it has flown under the radar for so long.

The Resurrected follows in the footsteps of its director's previous works, boasting impressive practical effects and a gripping, well-paced narrative. The screenplay, by Brent V. Friedman, is a standout feature, seamlessly blending three distinct genres. It's a refreshing change from the often poorly paced and vapid writing of late 80s and early 90s horror. The movie also benefits from strong performances, particularly from Chris Sarandon, who delivers an unhinged and memorable turn.

However, the film's slow pace may be off-putting to some viewers. It often feels more like a TV miniseries that has been condensed, which detracts from the overall impact. While the conclusion is spectacular and justifies the slow burn, with some truly impressive practical effects, the journey there may test the patience of viewers accustomed to faster-paced, more immediate horror thrills.

The Resurrected is a film that divides opinion. It has all the ingredients for a cult classic, but its slow pace and odd tone may deter some from seeing it through to the end. For those willing to embrace its peculiarities, there is much to admire, from the ambitious narrative to the impressive practical effects. However, with a pace that often drags and a story that feels more suited to a longer format, it is easy to see why this film has not achieved wider recognition.

There is one other film I know of which is based on Lovecrafts "The Case of Charles Dexter Ward", and that is the old Roger Corman movie "Edgar Allen Poe's The Haunted Palace", with Vincent Price as Joseph Curwen and Charles Ward. But The Resurrected is by far the most accurate movie about this story, which is damning it with faint praise.

The Resurrected is set in the modern day and Charles Ward is the head chemist at Belmar Cosmetics. He's rich. He has a beautiful wife. He's Chris Sarandon. But his wife detects that Charles is having some problems and so enlists a detective from the Marsh Agency to investiate. If you like the Call of Cthulhu game as well as Lovecraft you'll recognise how this movie goes: the detective makes his Library Use roll, uses his paid source to get info, makes an initial foray into enemy territory, then eventually finds the deepest secrets of Charles Dexter Ward. Almost everything in the book is in the movie: the painting, the formula for re-animation, the essential saltes, the pits, the initial destruction of Curwen in Revolutionary War times. It's all here and with good acting, costuming, and set. Curwens secret abode is everything you'd expect after reading the book.

Simply put this movie is great. It and maybe one other movie are the reason I still have a Laserdisk player, as it's sadly not yet out on DVD.

Here's something you do not see everyday, a horror movie that actually remains faithful to book it was adapted from. Often film makers who alter the original product in the name of creativity needlessly dilute or destroy the story in the process. In 'The Resurrected' director Dan O'bannon wisely refrains from such tinkering. He takes H.P. Lovecraft's creepy classic, 'The strange case of Charles Dexter Ward', and places it amid late 20th century trappings. The result is a near perfect horror movie.

The film starts off like a cheap detective novel. A hard boiled trench coat clad private investagator sits in his office waiting for his next case to come along. Enter a beautiful blonde who hires him to discover why her scientist husband is spending all of his time in his secluded lab.

At first the P.I. believes the scientist, one Charles Dexter ward is having an affair. He soon finds Ward is involved not with a lover but a research partner. A mysterious fellow known only as Doctor Ash. The two are apparently engaged in highly secertive experiments involving tons of fresh meat.

Shortly after this revealation, strange things begin happen in and around the Ward estate. Doctor Ash vanishes. Wards begins to conversing in antiquated speech. Ward's neighbors become the victims of grisley killings.

As the case unfolds the detective follows these and other clues down a path that leads further and further into the preternatural.

This film is something rare. A horror movie that is actually scary. It is probably the best ever adaptation of a Lovecraft story. The reason for this is simple. Unlike most filmakers director O'bannon had the common sense to let Lovecraft's masterful writing speak for itself.