Cast
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David McCallum
as Gideon Locke
Nicole Eggert
as Morella / Lenora
Christopher Halsted
as Guy Chapman
Lana Clarkson
as Coel Devereaux
Maria Ford
as Diane
Jonathan Farwell
as Dr. Gault
Brewster Gould
as Miles Archer
Gail Harris
as Ilsa
John O'Leary
as Quintis
Clement von Franckenstein
as Judge Brock
Deborah Dutch
as Serving Girl
Sandra Knight
as
Crew
Director
- Jim Wynorski
Producer
- Alida Camp
- Rodman Flender
- Sally Mattison
- Roger Corman
Reviews
GenerationofSwine
Breasts. That is kinda what this movie was about. It was tailor made for a latch-key kid in the 90s to stay up late watching HBO to eventually see breasts.
Breasts.
It delivered that.
There was some plot about an evil witch and breasts. Something about a love affair and breasts. There were a few deaths and breasts and...
...yes, there was a thong despite the fact it takes place a long time ago before there were thongs and...yes, breasts.
What you have here is really a movie about breasts, but, it is a period piece Lovecraftian movie about breasts.
So if you want breasts, this is the movie for you, especially since it really makes no effort whatsoever to pass itself off as anything but a movie about breasts.
Breasts. You really have to appreciate that honesty.
Jan 14, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller/Romance film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Haunting of Morella presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Jim Wynorski brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1990, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Haunting of Morella took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 457 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Haunting of Morella shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike An American Haunting, which focuses more on action than character development, The Haunting of Morella subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge and Ghosts of Mars explore similar territory, The Haunting of Morella stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 9, 1990
- Runtime: 1h 22m
- Revenue: $1,547,867
