The Haunted World of Edward D. Wood Jr.

For starters - This potentially promising bio-documentary that focused in on Ed Wood (who has been unanimously voted "Worst Director of All Time") gave this somewhat dissatisfied viewer the clear impression that underneath the surface of all of his undeniable incompetence there lurked a man of great directorial genius.

This, of course, is a matter that is open to some serious debate since I, personally, do not believe this to be true of Wood.

But, contrary to what my opinion might be - All of the comments made by those interviewed here who knew and worked with Wood gave one the clear impression that his greatness was, indeed, there, but it was never given the chance to "come-out-of-the-closet" (like his cross-dressing did).

Anyway - This 110-minute documentary certainly had both its fair share of good moments, as well as its not-so-good moments.

And, so - As the sad and pathetic story of Ed Wood finally comes to its inevitable close - He died in 1978, at the age of 54, a hopeless alcoholic and an utter failure as a director.

I originally caught this back in 1996 in its one week run at a movie theatre. I was under impressed by it and my feelings haven't much changed.

Documentary about the infamous Edward D. Wood Jr. covering his life and movies. There are interviews with people who worked with him or knew him. They include: Vampira, Dolores Fuller, Bela Lugosi Jr., Loretta King, Gregory Walcott and Paul Marco. Interviews are mixed with clips from the movies or some bizarre recreations. It is interesting (somewhat) but was this really needed? I've seen all of Wood's films and they're just terrible. Wood had ambitions but not a bit of talent to carry them out. I wouldn't say he was the worst director ever but he's down there. Do we really need a docu on a very mediocre film maker? I do like the fact that they didn't try to make Wood out to be some sort of saint. More than a few of those interviewed (especially Lugosi Jr.) pretty much hated the man and it comes through loud and clear. Also they totally ignore his films in the adult film industry in the 1960s and 70s. Still it's of interest if you're a Wood fan. The best interviews are with Vampira (who tears Wood apart) and Dolores Fuller (a long time girlfriend).

This is the story of a group of people. Many of whom had worked for "Big Studios" at one time or another. Some were Stars that the Studios had kicked aside and all but forgot about. But they helped each other in their single-minded quest... TO MAKE MOVIES. In the past, they were the targets of countless documentaries slanted to portray Ed Wood and his Players as a Hustler and his Dupes. Their pride in their work prompted them to speak to these docu-vultures and lay themselves open for ridicule. BUT, FINALLY, THIS FILM DOES JUSTICE TO THEIR WORK. Each is given the respect due them. Each is allowed to tell his or her story without being made to look foolish. If you want to see a truthful look at the people who were the Ed Wood players... WATCH THIS MOVIE...

The Haunted World of Edward D. Wood, Jr. isn't a particularly good documentary. Aesthetically, it's lackluster and cheap looking, the people in it go off on tangents which make it very unfocused and in-cohesive, but this adds to it's charm. I say this because it's a documentary about an oddball that made oddball pictures and surrounded himself with fellow oddballs and, as such, there's really no other way to document the life and career of the man and his crew of misfits. There are some glimpses of insight into both the genius and the ineptness of Wood, and the portrayal of both qualities is a credit to the genuineness of the documentary. Overall, it's worth a watch for the Wood fan and those of cinema in general, but don't expect brilliance here. Expect a documentary made after Wood's own heart.

It seems the criterion for being asked to participate in this documentary was "does Ed Wood still owe you money?" All of Ed's associates are there bashing him and cashing in at the same time. Good for them. Ed was a dishonest guy and he owes them all one at least.

The story is fascinating of those who were stepped upon by a man who pretended to be a Hollywood director/producer/writer. He was so good at pretending though he actually finished a couple of films.

It didn't matter that he had no business doing it. This is the story of how Hollywood could be hijacked for a short time, when it wasn't looking. For this feat Ed Wood is still admired by fans of truly independent film. Wood cheated Hollywood, investors, studios, and even his friends, but he never cheated his audience. Ed Wood did what he wanted to do. He made the films he wanted to see. It's just that his tastes weren't all that refined. Fortunately, neither were those of the syndicate stations who played Ed's Plan 9 from Outer Space ad nauseum in the 70's and made Ed a cult legend.

The biggest problem with The Haunted World of Ed Wood is the fact that actor/mystic seer "Criswell" is given short shrift.