The Fall of the Louse of Usher

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DVD details

Actor: Emma Millions, James Johnson (II), Mediaeval Baebes, Pete Mastin, Tulip Junkie
Brand: RUSSELL,KEN
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 83 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-08-26
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Image Entertainment

DVD Reviews of The Fall of the Louse of Usher

DVD Review: The Film That Dares You To Watch It
Summary: 1 Stars

"The Fall of the Louse of Usher" is a zero budget adaptation of Poe for insufferable self-absorbed film school dropouts. It is unspeakably wretched, and shows the delirium of a once hot box office property in the throes of professional ruin. Ken Russell made and stars in this vehicle that redefines the phrase "low production values." It is stylistically over the top, which is one of Russell's prime appeals, but is self-indulgent, vapid, and incoherent.

Frequently resorting to shock for shock's sake, the film is ostensibly about a rock star, Roderick Usher (James Johnston), who is incarcerated in an asylum after being suspected of murder. The details are unimportant, as they just serve as a platform to allow Russell to overact deliriously as Dr. Calahari. Don't miss such great cinematic moments as the banana eating scene, inflatable Tyrannosaurus Rex therapy, Dr. Calahari's interesting choice of eyewear and nasal appliance, and my personal favorite scene, which involves a talking fish channeling a deceased Egyptian deity, a slinky, and a Ouija board. The only entertainment I got from the film was reading the credits on the DVD box. While the film says the character of Nurse A. B. C. Smith was played by Marie Findley, the box credits "Tulip Junkie," and notes that Gory the Gorilla was played by Alex Alien.

The film begs to be fast forwarded, but if you stick it out you will also be rewarded with some of the worst failed attempts at music video production ever released on DVD. I am normally quite interested in novel and independent films, and frequently decry the lack of talent and originality in Hollywood and elsewhere. Going into this, therefore, I expected to conclude that it's a shame that Russell can't get funding for his films anymore. After watching it, however, I'm just relieved.

DVD Review: Celebration of the Perverse
Summary: 4 Stars

Filmed in his garden on a digi-cam, Ken Russell's 'FOTLOU' is a bonkers, inventive charmer guaranteed in no way to re-endear him to the likes of David Puttnam, Bryan Forbes and all the other unimaginative prigs in the hallowed halls of the British Film Industry.

He may be shorn of budget but the plus side of that of course, is there's no studio interference. No restraint being yelled by BFI yes-men which allows Ken free reign to deliver a lesson in guerilla film-making.
Grueling and unpleasant but mind-bogglingly entertaining, Russell is having a picnic to remember with his neighbours, family members and clapped-out UGLY rockers pillaging and plundering Poe til only entrails remain.

Ken himself plays the obviously looney psychiatrist/patient Dr Calihari. Who, when he's not eating lumps of his own ear-wax or trying to grope the excellent Nurse ABC Smith, is attempting to 'cure' rock-star Roddy Usher of his own insanity and also find out if he's murdered anyone or not.

Ok, as plots go it's a bit basic, but this slight premise allows Russell cart-blanch to go rooting and digging in man's darkest extremes, stopping to absorb deliriously each atrocity as he passes it by, giving the viewer a lascivious glimpse before dashing off to the next one.

Aided and abetted by the magnificent Nurse Smith, lucky old Ken somehow makes it to the end of the flick intact, though rambling and ranting in abject response to his own failures and punishments. Clever and funny, in a lewd, peep-show sense, 'FOTLOU' is admirable and satisfying BECAUSE of it.

Obviously it can't compare to 'the Music Lovers' or 'the Devils', but it does show the maniac Russell is still the most mind-rippingly, coarse-humoured, garishly coloured loose-cannon in town - and where's his MBE? (That'll be the day. Not enough sucking up!)

Wicked, profane and elatedly perverse, 'FOTLOU' is acid medicine to the saccharine excesses of mainstream cinema not only in dusty old Blighty, but also narcoleptic Hollywood and across the world.

We'll be sorry when he's gone.

DVD Review: incredibly, unspeakably bad
Summary: 1 Stars

Save yourself. Do not rent, purchase, or otherwise obtain this film. Do not view it, it will kill brain cells and make you sterile; it is so bad. Even if you are the biggest Ken Russell fan in the world, do not see this film. In fact, if you are the biggest Ken Russell fan in the world, you have every reason NOT to see this film. Remember the man for his 'triumphs' (if they can be called such), like THE DEVILS, WOMEN IN LOVE, MAHLER, or THE LAIR OF THE WHITE WORM. I would not see this film even if you just want something awful to giggle at at one of your little parties with your special friends. Nope. It's the cinematic equivalent of moldy spam.

DVD Review: The Fall of the Louse of Usher
Summary: 1 Stars

I'm a fan of both Ken Russell and Edgar Allen Poe and looked forward, with anticipation, of Ken Russell's reworking of Poe's horror stories. Well I was definetly shocked: not in horror, but by the fact I wasted money on such a bad film. Calling the film amateurish would give it a redeeming value. All the performances were appalling: what's with all the BAD accents? Actors with teeth that bad should never show them, much less get a close up (and no it wasn't makeup)! Now I know why I couldn't find this film to rent first--it's that bad. ...

DVD Review: The Great Man Does It Again
Summary: 4 Stars

The great Ken Russell does it again; he takes the digital filmmaking revolution that giant step forward by showing everyone with a dv video camera how to make a bonafide feature film -- and a strikingly inventive and entertaining one at that! Bravo, Ken! More! More!

Description of The Fall of the Louse of Usher

No Description Available.
Genre: Horror
Rating: UN
Release Date: 26-AUG-2003
Media Type: DVD

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