The Whisperer in Darkness and Bringing H.P. Lovecraft's Horrifying Vision to Fruition: A Movie Review (DVD)

Director: Sean Branney.

Writers: H.P. Lovecraft (story), Sean Branney and Andrew Leman (screenplay).

Cast: Stephen Blackehart, Annie Abrams and Matt Lagan.

Enthusiasts of H.P. Lovecraft will eat up the cinematic adaption of the tale, The Whisperer in Darkness. Made by the members of the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society, this film is very clearly a labour of love that came close to not finishing due to funding issues. But thankfully, Sandy Peterson, author of Call of Cthulhu, the role-playing game, saved the day by injecting the money needed to finish the project.

When turning Lovecraft’s works to cinematic expression, some liberties were taken. This movie nicely reproduces the style in films like Dracula, Frankenstein and The Mummy with the set designs and title cards. Also added is a Little Shop of Horrors style (the original) ending. But ultimately, this movie is an update than a wholly faithful adaptation. Had it of ended at a different point, the movie would still work and deliver the same shock value as one of Lovecraft’s tales.

In the tale about Albert Wilmarth (Matt Foyer), who finds himself at odds with Creationism, he’s going to learn more than he should and avoid a bargain with the devil. Foyer certainly delivers a worthwhile performance that demonstrates a detective’s level of inquisitiveness. But this film is still theatre level at best. That should come as no surprise when considering that is where most of the cast’s experience comes from. In his correspondence with Henry Akeley (Barry Lynch), they are limited to short monologues than a full discourse on screen. That’s just one of a few changes in the structure of this tale. It slowly builds to Wilmarth’s eventual trip to the Akeley farm.

Also equally worth noting is the attention to detail of recreating the feel of the Dirty 30’s. There are certainly a few noir style elements in a few segments, but when Lovecraft’s stories places emphasis on a creeping sense of dread, some set pieces end up being distractions than enhancements. At least the CGI blends well against the black and white screen palette.

What it does not hide is an attempt at pseudo-realism that many viewers will notice. This observation is more nitpicky than a criticism. When people are walking or standing in the rain for a long time, they should look drenched than simply sprayed with a rubber hose. No trench coat is that good at keeping people dry. A few other sequences feature digital rain than practical. At least the close-ups correct the problem.

The Mi-Go, the alien race Wilmarth encounters, are pseudo bio-mechanoid like creatures, rendered with CGI and practical set pieces. When only a few arms are required, they are animated with a pull strings and people behind the scenes to create some shadow effects. They come through as an expression of a B-movie product. But the exceptional work comes from the cinematography. The pans are smooth, and the transitions are seamless.

And the bonus disc will wet the appetites of many. Two extended sequences, “The Debate” and “Wilmarth Meets Akeley” are offered on top of the usual trailers and making-of featurettes. Many aspects of film production are explored, and one particular favourite is “Creating the Mi-Go.” The production team debated about how they wanted to create this monster.

H.P. Lovecraft provided the description, but to make such an incredible beast believable on screen, especially with their budget, would be difficult. While the winged creature looked truly alien, the horror really comes from the reactions of the characters than the audience. When the movie did not have the money to render the beast digitally, Sandy Peterson came to the rescue.

Other notable pieces include, “Miniatures & Models” and “The Hardest Shot in the Movie.” The only shame in the DVD menu construction is the lack of a ‘play all’ button.

The main featurette is also very entertaining. The tone is very tongue-in-cheek in a few segments. Viewers will easily learn that this film involved the labour of many dedicated individuals who worked at a level becoming of a Hollywood production. Without them, audiences most likely would never see certain tales written by H.P. Lovecraft put to screen.

Although Hollywood has tried, they simply failed. Just look at their versions of Cthulhu and the Dunwich Horror. And that does not include the worry over money when Guillermo del Toro pitched Mountains of Madness. Nobody wanted to make the investment. Some of Lovecraft’s works can easily be made in an independent filmmaker’s world.

Overall: 7.5 out of 10.

*special features include: three trailers, The Whisperer Behind the Scenes Featurette.

**tech featurettes include: "Creating the Mi-Go," "The Remains of Henry Akeley," "The Appearance of Charles Fort," "The Masterson Barn," "Miniatures & Models," "Gunplay," "Composite Shots," "The Star Map," and "The Hardest Shot in the Movie."

***deleted scenes: Eli Davenport’s Mansion (Full), The Debate Scene – Writers & Editor’s Version, Deer, Wilmarth Meets Ake-ley (Full), and A Terrible Cup of Coffee

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Posted in: 2012,cthulhu,h.p. lovecraft,horror movie dvd release,movie review