Directed by Elias, various
Review by David Carter


Released by Biff Juggernaut
Running Time: 87 minutes
Rating: NR
Color format: Color
Audio/Subtitles: 2.0 Stereo English
Region Code: 1, NTSC
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen
16:9 Enhanced: No
Special Features: Three short films, Blooper reel, Music Videos
Trailer Online: Yes

H.P. Lovecraft’s works were not widely read during his life and he’s far from a household name today either. Despite his relative obscurity, Lovecraft’s writings have been and continue to be hugely influential in the worlds of horror and science fiction. While many people have never read any Lovecraft, they likely have been exposed to his works without their knowledge through television and film. Films such as RE-ANIMATOR and FROM BEYOND are taken directly from his writings, while countless others were heavily influenced by the spirit of his works. Indie company Biff Juggernaut has released LOVECRACKED: THE MOVIE, a collection of shorts based on or inspired by Lovecraft’s writings.

A well-meaning but bungling investigative reporter is hard at work on a documentary about H.P. Lovecraft. What he lacks in factual evidence or journalistic ability, he more than makes up for in effort. He travels through several locations that have a relation to Lovecraft, as well as venturing to downtown New York to interview passersby about the author. As he discusses Lovecraft, the audience is treated to a collection of short adaptations of his work. Many of the most well-known stories are present, as well as a few not necessarily based on Lovecraft’s work, but certainly inspired by the atmosphere they are best known for.

The collection of shorts in LOVECRACKED: THE MOVIE is framed by the Monty Python-esque comedy of the reporter. While this framework rarely relates directly to the shorts, it is an entertaining way to piece the film together. The shorts themselves vary wildly in terms of tone and quality. Many, such as the opener “The Statement of Randolph Carter,” are faithful recreations of Lovecraft, much in the same way as previous film adaptations have been. Some such as “History of the Lurkers” are intentionally humorous and take lighthearted look at Lovecraft’s work. Most interesting, however, are the segments that go off in a completely different and unexpected direction. Of note here are the animated music video “And This Was on a Good Day” and the horror-porn combination “Re-Penetrator” starring alt-porn queen Joanna Angel. Some of the shorts are clearly of a higher quality than others, but each is entertaining in its own way.

Biff Juggernaut and LOVECRACKED: THE MOVIE are the work of young filmmaker Elias. For those who haven’t been exposed to his work yet, the DVD of LOVECRACKED includes his infamous short film THE VOICE INSIDE. It’s a surprisingly disturbing short that despite not being Lovecraft-related certainly fits in with some of the darker toned entries in the film. The visual quality of the film is as varied as the shorts themselves, but the framing story and the majority of the short have a clear and crisp visual presentation.

Although LOVECRACKED: THE MOVIE may not be the most faithful way to be introduced to H.P. Lovecraft’s work, it will certainly be a treat for viewers who are already fans of his work. The framing story is consistently funny and enjoyable, so even if some of the shorts aren’t to your liking, you’ll likely still be entertained. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the film is that it allows viewers to be exposed to several talented young directors. No doubt that you’ll be hearing from some of these filmmakers again in the future.