Rubberduckzilla!!! and "I Walked with a Zombie"

Yup! That's Rubberduckzilla. Thanks to my friend Kelly for this.

I Walked with a Zombie

"skewed" (but not what you might think)

Released- 1943

Producer- Val Lewton

Director- Jacque Tourneur

Writers- Curt Siodmak and Ardel Wray

Stars- Christine Gordon, Frances Dee, Tom Conway, James Ellison, Edith Barrett

This is a film you have to see. Yes, it's old. Yes, it's in black and white. Yes, it's barely over an hour long. Yes, it is brilliant.

I'd probably say that about any Val Lewton film, but this is one of my special favorites. You'll remember Cat People, The Curse of the Cat People and The Leopard Man. Each of these brought something unusual to the screen. IWwaZ is no exception. There is so much going on in this short little piece that it's hard to explain.

What I love about this movie:

The cinematography is exemplary. Some scenes are beyond any expectation. For example, the night scene in which Betsy is leading Jessica through the darkness and they happen upon the tall, motionless, seemingly emaciated zombie. The moment when he waits, then turns and walks into the darkness is a tremendous shot.

The direction of Jacque Tourneur. Through his direction, this piece maintains a measured pace that brings the viewer along carefully, not fitfully or hurriedly, as we might expect. Also, he is able to control the personalities of his characters. For instance, in the scene I just mentioned any other movie would have sent Betsy screaming and running. In this film, she keeps her head and continues on, as though it was to be expected (which it probably was). It is this contra-intuition that keeps us in the piece.

The Singer. Although it might seem campy, this character is key to the psychology of the film. He brings commentary into the piece, sharing feelings that might not otherwise be communicated.

The final scene. I wont talk about details, but it is poignant and moving, certainly unexpected, yet unquestionably appropriate for this film.

Despite its title, this is an art film that can be appreciated by a wide ranging audience. Even if you dont like horror movies, or art films, or movies with singing in them, you'll find something that resonates with you in this one.

Interestingly, it's the only credit film appearance Christine Gordon (Jessica Holland) ever made. It appears that she also had small, uncredited parts in a few other movies, but this was her most important role. Of course, it wasnt a difficult role and could have been played by any stunningly beautiful woman, but she did it in a way that doesnt seem forced or wooden.

Here's a clip from Turner Classic Movies. It's the scene I was talking about earlier.

Enjoy this one. It comes double packed with The Body Snatcher, which I'll talk about another time.