The Lair of the White Worm
by Ken Russell
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Actor: Amanda Donohoe, Catherine Oxenberg, Hugh Grant, Peter Capaldi, Sammi DavisDirector: Ken Russell
Brand: Lions Gate
Cinematographer: Dick Bush
Producer: Ken Russell
Writer: Ken Russell
Producer: Dan Ireland
Producer: Ronaldo Vasconcellos
Producer: William J. Quigley
Writer: Bram Stoker
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
Format: Anamorphic, Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.77:1
Running Time: 93 minutes
Published: 2003-08-01
DVD Release Date: 2003-08-19
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate
DVD Reviews of The Lair of the White Worm
DVD Review: A Finished Madman ?
Summary: 5 Stars
It's hard to imagine in these days of stomach-turning gore and mega-violence, just how contentious and controversial Ken Russell films were, back in the unstable yet uncomplicated day.
He's stated in interviews that all his films are comedies, and you can take him at his word, but critics just don't get it. He scuffed one with a rolled up newspaper on a tv show, which prompted the self-same critic (and renowned Russell-basher) to famously proclaim in print: "Get me an elephant gun, this man must be stopped!"
It's easy to see why these people detest Russell - he's been goading them for decades. Taking money from the ever-so-worthy British film industry and making mad tragi-comic films about VERY serious and highbrow composers and artists, taking drugs, getting drunk, taking their clothes off and running around beautifully lit country houses, sweating like rapists, with their eyes bulging.
Russell doesn't like factual bi-opics and faithful adaptations, he likes making it up as he goes along, believing the spirit of the person, or work in question is far more important than insignificant details, ie; facts. Your standard intellectual and particularly the classical world cognoscenti don't see the funny side of this AT ALL.
If you're in on the joke though, you're in for a treat; 'LOTWW' is seen as a 'lesser' Russell work, but I think it's one of his best. Based on a story by Bram Stoker, a hoary old tale of vampires/reptiles/pagan gods et al, gets a rethinking like never before.
The cast are obviously in on the joke, particularly dishy Amanda Donohoe as the chief villainess. Slinky and seductive (with a wardrobe to match!) she slithers her way magnificently through scene and scenery in her characters admirable quest to resurrect an age-old pagan snake god by means of human sacrifice.
Hugh Grant (in a fantastic coat) gives his best performance as the playboy lord of the manor, who's ancestor originally slew the titular beast, and who sees himself as similarly responsible to 'scotch the bugger' again.
Jokes/homage/pastiches come thick and fast. There's a 'Citizen Kane' reference, a 'Tommy' joke involving Grant and a drum kit, Hammer Films, David Lean, 'Cleopatra' etc,etc. In fact, like most Russell films, it's a movie-buffs dream, and - like the man himself - a complete one-off.
And yes, there's gore and shocks as well. Mass impaling (involving nuns) Roman pillaging (involving nuns) some sadistic dialogue paraphrasing 'the Devils' (about nuns!)a brilliantly low-budget eye-gouging (no nuns in that bit), and a dream sequence on a plane, with Donohoe and Catherine Oxenberg dressed as air-hostesses who..well, you'll have to see that for yourselves. Suffice to say, Russell's on home turf here and doesn't disappoint.
Also starring the excellent Sammi Davis, brave heart Peter Capaldi, a startlingly good cameo from the late Stratford Johns as a snarky butler, in addition to a smattering of Russell stock regulars from his 70's heyday snaked in for good measure. All superb.
It's a shame Russell didn't do more stuff like this, and it does show what can be achieved on a low budget if you have someone with vision and imagination at the helm. 'LOTWW' makes a great double-bill with the same directors 'Gothic' - another gem, damned by faint-praise, but a rattling good ride all the same.
Stoker could never have envisaged his creation being presented like this, but secretly - in his starched-collar, stoic Victorian way - I think he would've approved.
Description of The Lair of the White Worm
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