Movie Review: Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)
Synopsis
"Plan 9 from Outer Space," directed by Ed Wood, is considered by many to be one of the most entertainingly inept films ever made. Released in 1959, the film follows a group of aliens attempting to prevent humanity from creating a doomsday weapon that could annihilate the universe. They come up with "Plan 9," which involves resurrecting the dead to create chaos on Earth. The movie opens with a graveyard scene, where we meet the aptly named protagonist, an earnest yet hapless character, as he investigates strange occurrences in his town.
The aliens, led by the sinister Eros, use a highly dubious method of reanimating corpses as part of their grand scheme. As the story unfolds, the resurrected zombies roam the earth while the incompetent personnel of the local police force bumble around trying to restore order. Meanwhile, humanity’s incompetence is put under scrutiny as it becomes increasingly clear that miscommunication and sheer absurdity will determine the fate of the world.
The film features an infamous juxtaposition of low-budget effects, wooden acting, and ludicrous dialogue, resulting in an inadvertent comedic masterpiece. Despite its glaring flaws, "Plan 9 from Outer Space" has gained a cult following and is oft-celebrated in the annals of cinema for its unique charm and audacity.
List of Actors and Characters
- Bela Lugosi as The Grave Robber (also known as the "Vampire")
- Tor Johnson as Inspector Dan Clay
- Bunny Breckinridge as Eros
- Dudley Manlove as Rev. Andrew Thomas
- Gregory Walcott as Jeff Trent
- Maila Nurmi (aka Vampira) as Vampira
- Patricia Johnson as The Pilot
- Lyle Talbot as Police Officer
- Criswell as Criswell, the Narrator
- Tommy Cook as The State Trooper
The Review
As the film unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that "Plan 9 from Outer Space" revels in its own absurdity. One can only marvel at Ed Wood’s persistent dedication to bringing his vision to life, which is exceptionally charming in its grand ineptitude. The performances, particularly those of Lugosi and Tor Johnson, exhibit an endearing earnestness, despite their often comically poor delivery.
Lugosi, who was already an iconic figure in horror cinema from his roles in "Dracula" and other films, returned for what was to be one of his last performances. His role as the grave robber is replete with melodramatic flair, though his impact is rendered almost comical by the inept editing that includes awkward dialogue and misplaced cuts. The film famously includes some grainy footage of Lugosi shot for another project, which was spliced into the film after his death.
Tor Johnson’s portrayal of Inspector Dan Clay is another highlight, brimming with a palpable intensity that inadvertently adds to the film’s humour. His imposing physical presence juxtaposed against the horrid script provides a unique flavour. Likewise, Bunny Breckinridge’s flamboyant performance as Eros adds layers of unintentional comedy, transforming the alien overlord into a caricature of classic sci-fi villains.
The script itself is riddled with inconsistencies and absurdities. Characters often deliver lines that make little sense or seem to be entirely unrelated to the plot at hand. The dialogue is ripe for quoting, with moments that seem ludicrous even in the context of a sci-fi narrative. Wood’s campy vision is reflected abundantly in lines that evoke cringes yet provoke laughter, enhancing the film’s cult status as a comedic spectacle.
Wood’s approach to special effects is at once naïve and earnest, demonstrating the limitations of budget cinema while simultaneously becoming part of the film’s charm. Flying saucers are depicted with crudely crafted model ships on strings, accompanied by amateurish explosions and shoddy makeup for the resurrected corpses. These deficiencies only serve to amplify the film’s endearing quality, inviting laughter rather than scorn.
The cinematography, helmed by the enterprising Wood himself, is suspiciously shaky and often devoid of coherence. The lighting frequently shifts, with notable inconsistencies that betray the film’s low-budget origins. For instance, many scenes appear excessively dull, while others are painfully bright, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience. Yet, it can be argued that these imperfections contribute to the charm, encapsulating the spirit of the ‘B-movie’ era.
While many would hastily dismiss "Plan 9 from Outer Space" as an insipid failure, it is crucial to recognise the film’s inadvertent genius. Through a series of disjointed plot points, nonsensical dialogue, and ludicrous performances, Ed Wood unwittingly created a monument to cinematic folly that transcends its flaws. It reminds us of the joy of watching movies without the burden of evaluating their coherence or depth.
Perhaps the film’s greatest achievement lies in its ability to engage audiences in a manner that more polished films often fail to do. It sparks conversations and invites viewers to revel in the shared experience of absurdity. It’s an unfurling tapestry of humour wrapped in spectral horror, and its engaging quality resonates even today.
As one delves into the heart of this peculiar film, it’s essential to approach it with an open mind and acceptance of its absurdity. "Plan 9 from Outer Space" is more a cultural artefact than a traditional feature, representing a time when cinema was chasing dreams far beyond its reach. The film serves as a reminder that even in the realm of artistic miscalculations, magic can still be found.
Conclusion
In the realm of cinema, "Plan 9 from Outer Space" holds a unique place as an example of how failure can lead to unexpected success. Its sheer lack of coherence, combined with endearing performances and low-budget charm, creates a viewing experience like no other. Wood’s labour of love is a testament to the power of creativity, even when it results in the most questionable of films. For those willing to appreciate its whimsical absurdity, it’s a treasure trove of laughter and nostalgia.
Score: 8/10
