In modern Hollywood, it's too often that the major media pays WAY too much attention to the newest film releases and contemporary celebrities without regard to how or why films have gotten to where they are at this point in time. As a result, documentaries which provide a point of reference and framework for the genesis of classic Hollywood characters are essential viewing for anyone who stops to think about the evolution of films in the 100+ years of cinema. All of which brings us to CREATURE FEATURE: 50 YEARS OF THE GILL-MAN. In this absorbing and entertaining documentary, Sam Borowski's deftly crafted script offers a historical context for the beloved Gill-Man from the original 1954 Universal classic, THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, explaining how the character came into being, why he has persevere, and lays the groundwork for explaining both why and how the character has influenced so many screen monsters who have come after him.
Notably, films in the sci-fi, fantasy, and horror genre were profoundly affected by CREATURE and its two sequels, and the impact of these 1950s landmarks is still felt today. Borowski and Matt Crick's film provides the viewer with accurate anecdotes about the making of the films, their impact upon audiences (including a bevy of celebrities - some unexpected), and the extended fan base which has succeeded the films, now 50 years following them. Their documentary is vital for all fans of classic films, sci-fi or otherwise, and anyone curious as to the nature of staying power for legendary screen characters.
Expertly narrated by Keith David, featuring interviews with many of the participants, filled behind-the-scenes and archival photos, audiences are sure to get the full scope of the Gill-Man's proper place in history - both cinematic and American pop cultural to boot. A footnote to the CREATURE's legacy is that Universal curiously quoted from the documentary on the back cover of the new CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON DVD Legacy Collection box set that was released in October, 2004.
Notably, films in the sci-fi, fantasy, and horror genre were profoundly affected by CREATURE and its two sequels, and the impact of these 1950s landmarks is still felt today. Borowski and Matt Crick's film provides the viewer with accurate anecdotes about the making of the films, their impact upon audiences (including a bevy of celebrities - some unexpected), and the extended fan base which has succeeded the films, now 50 years following them. Their documentary is vital for all fans of classic films, sci-fi or otherwise, and anyone curious as to the nature of staying power for legendary screen characters.
Expertly narrated by Keith David, featuring interviews with many of the participants, filled behind-the-scenes and archival photos, audiences are sure to get the full scope of the Gill-Man's proper place in history - both cinematic and American pop cultural to boot. A footnote to the CREATURE's legacy is that Universal curiously quoted from the documentary on the back cover of the new CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON DVD Legacy Collection box set that was released in October, 2004.