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Post by naterdawg on Feb 21, 2017 2:15:27 GMT
To each his own, I guess--but there isn't a more disappointing movie in my recent memory than GHOST STORY.
I read Straub's epic book, which I thought was a tad long but very scary. When I heard it was being made into a film and learned of the veteran cast, I had high hopes. And then I saw the film.
First, I never liked Craig Wasson, who seemed to be everywhere circa 1980-83. He brought absolutely nothing unique to this project except his usual willingness to disrobe completely. Believe me, the sight of his flabby, white naked body "falling" from a high-rise is something not soon forgotten. Especially when his member is spinning like a mini-propeller! This, then, is the beginning of the cinematic Ghost Story.
So many great scenes from the book are elminated, and what's left boils down to one ghost inexplicably deciding to haunt a bunch of old dudes. Why she waited so long may have been explained somewhere (and if it is, I can't recall), but her death took place something like 60 years or so before. All the nuances and weird shadings from Straub's tale are gone. Instead, Wasson becomes a "hero" who must "figure out the secret" before everybody dies.
There are some nice touches, nonetheless. I liked the wintry atmosphere, and it's fun to see those old codgers pretending to take it all so seriously. But too much of Wasson, too little of Alice Krige and the classic cast, and the butchering of Straub's intricate plotline left me cold.
I bought this on DVD in a fit on nostalgia, watched just the opening scene (where Wasson takes his nude flight), and everybody in the room with me burst into laughter. After that, I gave the DVD away. And I'll never own or watch the film again.
Obviously somebody must've felt the same way as me. GHOST STORY, as a film, was savaged by critics and bombed at the box-office. As for Mr. Wasson, he's apparently disappeared into obscurity.
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Post by Nalkarj on Feb 21, 2017 19:03:06 GMT
To each his own, I guess--but there isn't a more disappointing movie in my recent memory than GHOST STORY. I read Straub's epic book, which I thought was a tad long but very scary. When I heard it was being made into a film and learned of the veteran cast, I had high hopes. And then I saw the film. First, I never liked Craig Wasson, who seemed to be everywhere circa 1980-83. He brought absolutely nothing unique to this project except his usual willingness to disrobe completely. Believe me, the sight of his flabby, white naked body "falling" from a high-rise is something not soon forgotten. Especially when his member is spinning like a mini-propeller! This, then, is the beginning of the cinematic Ghost Story. So many great scenes from the book are elminated, and what's left boils down to one ghost inexplicably deciding to haunt a bunch of old dudes. Why she waited so long may have been explained somewhere (and if it is, I can't recall), but her death took place something like 60 years or so before. All the nuances and weird shadings from Straub's tale are gone. Instead, Wasson becomes a "hero" who must "figure out the secret" before everybody dies. There are some nice touches, nonetheless. I liked the wintry atmosphere, and it's fun to see those old codgers pretending to take it all so seriously. But too much of Wasson, too little of Alice Krige and the classic cast, and the butchering of Straub's intricate plotline left me cold. I bought this on DVD in a fit on nostalgia, watched just the opening scene (where Wasson takes his nude flight), and everybody in the room with me burst into laughter. After that, I gave the DVD away. And I'll never own or watch the film again. Obviously somebody must've felt the same way as me. GHOST STORY, as a film, was savaged by critics and bombed at the box-office. As for Mr. Wasson, he's apparently disappeared into obscurity. I've not seen Ghost Story, so I can't comment on it. I can comment, however, on Craig Wasson, who now seems to have disappeared into absolute obscurity. Ever since my father and I saw him in DePalma's Body Double, whenever we watch a movie with a dull, boring hero, we scream, "Craig Wasson!" Guess that tells you what we think of his acting ability. |
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Post by TheOriginalPinky on Feb 22, 2017 0:01:51 GMT
To each his own, I guess--but there isn't a more disappointing movie in my recent memory than GHOST STORY. I read Straub's epic book, which I thought was a tad long but very scary. When I heard it was being made into a film and learned of the veteran cast, I had high hopes. And then I saw the film. First, I never liked Craig Wasson, who seemed to be everywhere circa 1980-83. He brought absolutely nothing unique to this project except his usual willingness to disrobe completely. Believe me, the sight of his flabby, white naked body "falling" from a high-rise is something not soon forgotten. Especially when his member is spinning like a mini-propeller! This, then, is the beginning of the cinematic Ghost Story. So many great scenes from the book are elminated, and what's left boils down to one ghost inexplicably deciding to haunt a bunch of old dudes. Why she waited so long may have been explained somewhere (and if it is, I can't recall), but her death took place something like 60 years or so before. All the nuances and weird shadings from Straub's tale are gone. Instead, Wasson becomes a "hero" who must "figure out the secret" before everybody dies. There are some nice touches, nonetheless. I liked the wintry atmosphere, and it's fun to see those old codgers pretending to take it all so seriously. But too much of Wasson, too little of Alice Krige and the classic cast, and the butchering of Straub's intricate plotline left me cold. I bought this on DVD in a fit on nostalgia, watched just the opening scene (where Wasson takes his nude flight), and everybody in the room with me burst into laughter. After that, I gave the DVD away. And I'll never own or watch the film again. Obviously somebody must've felt the same way as me. GHOST STORY, as a film, was savaged by critics and bombed at the box-office. As for Mr. Wasson, he's apparently disappeared into obscurity.
When this came in the movies, I went to see it. It has some good scares, and I liked it. It didn't cover as much ground as the book, but it was, I thought at the time, very good. Not a Wasson fan myself, but loved the elder gentlemen from the bygone days of film - they were wonderful.
A few years ago, I bought the DVD and watched it, and was amazed at how crappy I thought it was!  Yes, it still has some decent scares, but overall, not great. Favorite line: "Dance with me, you little toad!" Alice Krige is so damned good! |
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Post by TheOriginalPinky on Feb 22, 2017 0:03:22 GMT
To each his own, I guess--but there isn't a more disappointing movie in my recent memory than GHOST STORY. I read Straub's epic book, which I thought was a tad long but very scary. When I heard it was being made into a film and learned of the veteran cast, I had high hopes. And then I saw the film. First, I never liked Craig Wasson, who seemed to be everywhere circa 1980-83. He brought absolutely nothing unique to this project except his usual willingness to disrobe completely. Believe me, the sight of his flabby, white naked body "falling" from a high-rise is something not soon forgotten. Especially when his member is spinning like a mini-propeller! This, then, is the beginning of the cinematic Ghost Story. So many great scenes from the book are elminated, and what's left boils down to one ghost inexplicably deciding to haunt a bunch of old dudes. Why she waited so long may have been explained somewhere (and if it is, I can't recall), but her death took place something like 60 years or so before. All the nuances and weird shadings from Straub's tale are gone. Instead, Wasson becomes a "hero" who must "figure out the secret" before everybody dies. There are some nice touches, nonetheless. I liked the wintry atmosphere, and it's fun to see those old codgers pretending to take it all so seriously. But too much of Wasson, too little of Alice Krige and the classic cast, and the butchering of Straub's intricate plotline left me cold. I bought this on DVD in a fit on nostalgia, watched just the opening scene (where Wasson takes his nude flight), and everybody in the room with me burst into laughter. After that, I gave the DVD away. And I'll never own or watch the film again. Obviously somebody must've felt the same way as me. GHOST STORY, as a film, was savaged by critics and bombed at the box-office. As for Mr. Wasson, he's apparently disappeared into obscurity. I've not seen "Ghost Story," so I can't comment on it. I can comment, however, on Craig Wasson, who now seems to have disappeared into absolute obscurity. Ever since my father and I saw him in DePalma's "Body Double," whenever we watch a movie with a dull, boring hero, we scream, "Craig Wasson!" Guess that tells you what we think of his acting ability. |
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Post by Nalkarj on Feb 22, 2017 0:09:30 GMT
I've not seen Ghost Story, so I can't comment on it. I can comment, however, on Craig Wasson, who now seems to have disappeared into absolute obscurity. Ever since my father and I saw him in DePalma's Body Double, whenever we watch a movie with a dull, boring hero, we scream, "Craig Wasson!" Guess that tells you what we think of his acting ability. Uhh... The simple answer is no. (Actually, though, apparently Roger Ebert of all people liked Wasson! What do you know, you learn something new every day.) Body Double has some interesting ideas that could have been used better elsewhere, but I agree, it's a lousy movie. And this is coming from someone who's usually an apologist for early DePalma; I'm very fond of Dressed to Kill. |
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Post by TheOriginalPinky on Feb 22, 2017 0:31:37 GMT
Wasson - Body Double - ugh! Horrible movie with a horrible actor. I never got his allure. Did he ever have any? Uhh... The simple answer is no. (Actually, though, apparently Roger Ebert of all people liked Wasson! What do you know, you learn something new every day.) Body Double has some interesting ideas that could have been used better elsewhere, but I agree, it's a lousy movie. And this is coming as someone who's usually an apologist for early DePalma; I'm very fond of Dressed to Kill. Elbert liked him? But he couldn't even act! DePalma's films always hit me as he's playing us; wink wink, nod, nod. He does have a very loyal fan base. |
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Post by Nalkarj on Feb 22, 2017 0:40:31 GMT
Well, to quote Ebert from his review of Body Double (to which I linked there), "The movie stars Craig Wasson, an open-faced actor with an engaging smile..."
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Post by TheOriginalPinky on Feb 22, 2017 1:07:55 GMT
Well, to quote Ebert from his review of Body Double (to which I linked there), "The movie stars Craig Wasson, an open-faced actor with an engaging smile..." Unsaid: . . . unfortunately of little talent. |
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Post by naterdawg on Feb 22, 2017 14:09:42 GMT
Well, to quote Ebert from his review of Body Double (to which I linked there), "The movie stars Craig Wasson, an open-faced actor with an engaging smile..." I've heard of open-faced sandwiches, but the term seems odd when applied to a human being. |
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Post by TheOriginalPinky on Feb 22, 2017 14:31:38 GMT
Well, to quote Ebert from his review of Body Double (to which I linked there), "The movie stars Craig Wasson, an open-faced actor with an engaging smile..." I've heard of open-faced sandwiches, but the term seems odd when applied to a human being. |
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Post by naterdawg on Feb 22, 2017 14:42:34 GMT
I could figure that out, but thanks, anyway.
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Post by TheOriginalPinky on Feb 22, 2017 14:46:41 GMT
I could figure that out, but thanks, anyway.  |
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Dana
Freshman
@dana
Posts: 54
Likes: 24
 
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Post by Dana on May 1, 2017 15:52:16 GMT
It's a wonderful movie. Everything about it I love.
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Post by naterdawg on May 1, 2017 18:05:46 GMT
Yeah. Looking at your avatar, I can understand that.
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♥ Lace ♥
Freshman
@lace
Posts: 60
Likes: 23
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Post by ♥ Lace ♥ on May 2, 2017 11:26:40 GMT
I saw it a few years ago. It was boring as sin and not especially frightening.
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Post by Captain Spencer on May 3, 2017 1:08:30 GMT
Compared to the novel, the movie version of Ghost Story isn't really all that good. It's very much watered-down and has none of the strange, creepy atmosphere of the book. And the scares are nothing more than the cheap gimmickry of having rotted corpses jump out at you.
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Post by cryptoflovecraft on May 3, 2017 11:19:46 GMT
Wasson - Body Double - ugh! Horrible movie with a horrible actor. I never got his allure. Did he ever have any? Body Double is probably my favorite De Palma film and another one of his obvious Hitchcock tributes-cum-ripoffs, if not the most obvious one. The first half of the film is a near perfect murder mystery. I like the eroticism and aura of mystery surrounding Deborah Shelton's character and her creepy Indian stalker - the stalking scenes outside the apartment, on the beach and in the shopping mall are particularly excellent. The film makes a strange detour in its second half and morphs into a sort of comedy-thriller almost becoming an entirely different film. The first time I watched Body Double I was disappointed with that abrupt change of direction but over the years the film has really grown on me ( though I still prefer the first half and wish it had continued in that direction.) Overall, I thought Wasson did a good job playing the put-upon nebbish who manages to become a hero by film's end and Melanie Griffith was great in her role as the porn star and she never looked better. Also, the film boasts a great score by Pino Donaggio. |
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Post by gbone on May 3, 2017 12:37:22 GMT
I first saw it when I was 10 and it scared me then. Watched it a few years back and it does drag on but some of the scares still hold up, I believe. |
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Post by wmcclain on May 7, 2017 1:28:16 GMT
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