The Last Horror Film (1982)

I’m the opposite. I thought it was amusing guerrilla film-making. It wasn’t what I expected it to be, mainly due to the unhinged tonal shifts. From an underlining comedic edge, it can turn depressingly downbeat to nastily macabre then back to kooky again. It’s not over-the-top, but it sticks out as it lures you into thinking it's something it is not. I kind of liked how the story evolved, being quite a delirious cocktail, as it kept you on your toes. Never too sure what direction it was heading. This led to an oddball climax to only be topped off by an enjoyably absurd ending that I don’t see how anyone could predict. All done on the beautiful French Riviera backdrop during the buzz of the Cannes festival.

Then there’s Joe Spinell. He is a live-wire that you simply work around him. Just let him go, sweat and all, as his instinctive presence emits such weirdness, yet stays strangely appealing (especially when interacting with his real-life mom) in spite of being an emotional wreck leading to some crazy visions, and disturbing encounters in his on-going fascination for his idol actress (the very capable Caroline Munro).