ENG 510 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Terrence Rafferty, Davis Grubb, Gothic Fiction
Document Summary
It was directed by charles laughton an acclaimed english film and stage the film was adapted from a 1953 novel by davis grubb the most original american writers of the 20th century actor. It was the first film he ever directed. Powell is almost like a vampire in his seeming invincibility and his incredible magnetism. Powell is almost ben harper"s curse as a result of his crimes. Powell is various things depending on who he interacts with. The film flopped commercially and was a critical failure. Laughton was so heartbroken, he never directed again. Laughton was an actor as well and was known for his aristocratic, imposing, and haughty characters. The movie fell into obscurity for about 20 years until its cheapness allowed it to be played over and over and it suddenly started inspiring new generations of filmmakers. Gothic elements it is a different tone of gothic. It combines southern gothic, noir, fairy tales motifs, and expressionistic.
