Ed Wood, Mad Genius
Ed Wood, Mad Genius
A Critical Study of the Films
Contributors: Rob Craig (author)
Format: Hardback, 254 x 178 x 20mm , 314 pp, ca. 50 photos, notes, filmography, bibliography, index
Publication date: 15 Aug 2009
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc
ISBN-10: 0786439556
EAN: 9780786439553
Filmmaker Ed Wood was controversial and critically maligned, even labeled 'the worst director of all time', yet he achieved cult status and remains of great interest today. This book frames Wood's work, such as the cross-dressing themed "Glen or Glenda?" and the haphazard "Bride of the Monster", as reflections of the culture of their era. Wood invariably worked with infinitesimal budgets, shooting at breakneck speed, incorporating plot twists that defied all logic. Yet there was a tangible if unfocused thematic thrust to Wood's films, which meditate fitfully on gender, religion and society, revealing a 'holy trinity' of fixations - sex, death and resurrection. Wood's infamous "Plan 9 From Outer Space" encapsulates the fixations and flaws that were his hallmarks, and with 22 other films, is explored here. A filmography and 51 photographs are included in this title.
Author Biography:
Rob Craig has been writing about cult film for over twenty years. His work has been published in magazines such as Videoscope, Screem and Horror-Wood. He lives in Stevenson, Connecticut.