Cast
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Marla English
as Marilyn Blanchard
Tom Conway
as Dr. Roland Gerard
Mike Connors
as Ted Bronson
Lance Fuller
as Rick Brady
Mary Ellen Kay
as Susan Gerard
Paul Dubov
as Marcel Chateau
Martin Wilkins
as Chaka, the Witch Doctor
Norman Willis
as Harry West
Otis Greene
as Bobo, the houseboy
Emmett Smith
as Gandor
Paul Blaisdell
as The Monster
Giselle D'Arc
as Yvette
Jean Davis
as Zuranda
Crew
Director
- Edward L. Cahn
Producer
- Alex Gordon
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Science Fiction/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Voodoo Woman presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Edward L. Cahn 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 1957, 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 Voodoo Woman took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 75 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1957, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Voodoo Woman shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Crawl 2, which focuses more on action than character development, Voodoo Woman offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Caterpillar and Cube explore similar territory, Voodoo Woman 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: April 11, 1957
- Runtime: 1h 15m
Where to Watch
