H. P. Lovecraft's The Shadow Out of Time (2012)
The writings of H. P. Lovecraft have been an inspiration for many a film maker. Their brooding atmosphere along with intriguing blend of science and the occult, offers a wealth of themes to be explored. Unfortunately, there have been very few movies that have come anywhere near to capturing the spirit of the author. So, it was with great interest that I watched the fifteen-minute short film The Shadow Out of Time. This low budget production made by independent film makers Richard Svensson, Daniel Lennéer and Christopher Johansson, succinctly distils a classic Lovecraftian tale without losing any of the ambience of the source text. It puts to shame some of the hand-fisted adaptations that have preceded it.
The writings of H. P. Lovecraft have been an inspiration for many a film maker. Their brooding atmosphere along with intriguing blend of science and the occult, offers a wealth of themes to be explored. Unfortunately, there have been very few movies that have come anywhere near to capturing the spirit of the author. So, it was with great interest that I watched the fifteen-minute short film The Shadow Out of Time. This low budget production made by independent film makers Richard Svensson, Daniel Lennéer and Christopher Johansson, succinctly distils a classic Lovecraftian tale without losing any of the ambience of the source text. It puts to shame some of the hand-fisted adaptations that have preceded it.
The plot follows an academic, Nathaniel Wingate Peaslee who collapses during a lecture to find that he has exchanged bodies with an extraterrestrial life form from Earth's past history. His own body is occupied by the alien who spend the next two years studying the present era. Eventually the process is reversed and Peaslee attributes the events to a mental collapse. However, it becomes apparent that he is not the only one to have had this experience. His resulting investigation leads him to Australia and an uncomfortable truth emerges. The story touches upon the experiences of both individuals and hints at a further menace that threatens the future of both species. Told via narration, the film is set in the 1900s and reflects the cinematic style of the time.
The period setting along with its stylised format really enhances the unfolding story. Åke Rosén performance is very much in the appropriate idiom and John Hutch narration embellishes without descending into melodramatics. Overall this is a polished production when you consider the budgetary and the logistical constraints imposed upon the film makers. It never ceases to amaze me the dedication and love that fans can muster to create such outstanding work using just “over the counter” hardware and software. Therefore, I thoroughly recommend The Shadow Out of Time and would urge readers to check out the creators You Tube channel for further H. P. Lovecraft adaptations.
The Haunted Doll's House (2012)
The Haunted Doll's House is based on the short story by M.R. James and tells the tale of a ghostly antique. Adapted by Stephen Gray, who has made several other short films based upon James' work, it stars Steven Dolton as Mr. Dillet. Made on an extremely modest budget over the course of 2012 this clever, innovative and rather sinister adaptation is a fine example of short film creativity. It manages to offer a unique visual depiction of M.R. James’ classic story whilst capturing the unsettling quality of the authors work. Like so many independently made short films it is clearly a labour of love and thoroughly rewarding.
The Haunted Doll's House is based on the short story by M.R. James and tells the tale of a ghostly antique. Adapted by Stephen Gray, who has made several other short films based upon James' work, it stars Steven Dolton as Mr. Dillet. Made on an extremely modest budget over the course of 2012 this clever, innovative and rather sinister adaptation is a fine example of short film creativity. It manages to offer a unique visual depiction of M.R. James’ classic story whilst capturing the unsettling quality of the authors work. Like so many independently made short films it is clearly a labour of love and thoroughly rewarding.
Stephen Gray conjures up an interesting period atmosphere as he sets the scene for the ghostly events. Professional antique collector Mr. Dillet seems most pleased with his latest acquisition and sits late into the night cataloguing its contents. Yet these seem to change in an odd manner as he proceeds. Perhaps he is overly tired? However he is woken during the night as a strange light illuminates the Doll's House. It would appear that it has something to show him and a rather disturbing story plays out among the antiques occupants, consisting of husband and wife, two children and a bedridden Grandfather.
It is the director's use of stop motion animation that sells the story so well. The minimalist character design and lack of dialogue do not in any way hinder the narrative. The silent actions of the puppets not only clearly convey the story but embellish it with a great deal of atmosphere. It plays out like a sinister episode of Camberwick Green and I do not mean that in a derogatory manner but as the highest compliment. The transition from animation to live action is cleverly done and provides an appropriate codicil to the story. The Haunted Doll's House makes good use of its eleven minute running time and offers an ideal seasonal ghost story.
The Haunted Doll's House is fine example of the high quality independent short films that you can find online, if you take the time to search them out. I would urge you to visit Stephen Gray's website www.thin-ghost.org to view other examples of his work which are as equally creative and ghoulish. There is also a wealth of information there regarding the great M.R. James inncluding a comprehensive list of the various film and television adaptations of his work.
The Haunted Dolls House from Stephen Gray on Vimeo.