Based on two of the best H.P. Lovecraft short stories (Dagon and The Shadow over Innsmouth), this horror movie does a few things right - even very well - but overall it's a missed occasion.
Dagon's greatest achievement is the atmosphere permeating its first act. When the protagonists visit the small sea-town of Imboca (boca=mouth, Innsmouth, in-joke, har har) after troubles with their boat, tension is palpable. The beginning, as they explore the creepy village and glimpse its mysterious inhabitants, is powerful stuff.
Unfortunately, in its second half the movie falls apart. Director Stuart Gordon doesn't trust the incredible atmosphere he has managed to craft and goes for gore and bad taste, two cheap tricks a master like Lovecraft never felt the need to use.
Gordon seems to be a Lovecraft aficionado, regularly adapting his works. Which feels strange, since their sensibilities appear very much at odds: Gordon is loud and in-your face, Lovecraft subtle and insidious.
5/10
Dagon's greatest achievement is the atmosphere permeating its first act. When the protagonists visit the small sea-town of Imboca (boca=mouth, Innsmouth, in-joke, har har) after troubles with their boat, tension is palpable. The beginning, as they explore the creepy village and glimpse its mysterious inhabitants, is powerful stuff.
Unfortunately, in its second half the movie falls apart. Director Stuart Gordon doesn't trust the incredible atmosphere he has managed to craft and goes for gore and bad taste, two cheap tricks a master like Lovecraft never felt the need to use.
Gordon seems to be a Lovecraft aficionado, regularly adapting his works. Which feels strange, since their sensibilities appear very much at odds: Gordon is loud and in-your face, Lovecraft subtle and insidious.
5/10