Review: H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival – San Pedro 2016

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Lovecraft Film Festival, San Pedro

April 29th-May 1st 2016

San Pedro, CA

Though I believed 2015 to be my final journey to the seaside port of San Pedro, the stars were right and I found myself drawn to the depths of cinematic R’yleh once again…

Friday’s festivities began with an invocation from the Esoteric Order of Dagon seguing into a preview of Monsterland a new anthology horror series which while little more than a brief teaser of the wraparound and an extremely bizarre initial segment entry, looked interesting and fun. The first feature was “Black Mountain Side,” which draws equal influence from “At The Mountains of Madness” and “Who Goes There” with a frigid artic setting and the claustrophobic downward spiral of desperate men trapped in dire circumstances when an ancient Inuit temple is unearthed in the Northern wilderness. While far from perfect and a very slow burn, it worked as a fine tribute to its inspirations but also stood its own ground with some genuine unsettling moments, great practical effects, atmosphere over action aplenty (embodying Lovecraft’s literary mantra) and excellent sound design. After a short break, the main course arrived in a sumptuous screening of “The Mist,” in black and white as it was meant to be seen. I hadn’t watched either version of this film in ages but this is not the preferred presentation form but I truly forgot how powerful and incredible The Mist is (and I am not just talking about that knockout ending.) I grew up loving the original novella in Skeleton Crew and probably the finest radio drama of the modern era by ZBS, I’ve always felt like the symbiotic relationship between director Frank Darabont and author Stephen King reached its zenith on the Shawshank Redemption and here capturing the misty madness of Bridgton, Maine. For any horror fans or critics that say the 00s rarely delivered in horror really need to revisit this one; it’s timeless.

Saturday kicked off with a presentation of the very promising new animated feature “HP Lovecraft and The Frozen Kingdom”, based on the fantastically fun graphic novel series from Arcana Studios. Very reminiscent of Paranorman, Coraline and Corpse Bride in both style and substance showed a lot of potential in its 10 minute reel of test footage, most of which was completed while Sean O’ Reilly took the lead on talking points sharing a lot of insight and generating tons of buzz throughout the festivals duration. Unfortunately had to miss the staged reading of The Colour Out Of Space but made it back in time for Shorts Block I. Being my seventh Lovecraft Film Fest, I’d seen a fair chunk of these before but always enjoy revisiting my favorites. A few in this selection include “The Gwyllion,” a funny but fierce piece about two travelers in the English countryside seeking a sacred ruins and finding an ageless fear, the stellar computer animated effort At The Mountains of Madness, the rad Rotoscoped “Cat Killer”, the certain to be a full length feature someday “Tesla vs. Cthulhu: The Nightmare of Desolation Sound.” New discoveries included the hilarious and extremely well done “Bundle of Nerves” the best Lovecraftian detective story since “Cast A Deadly Spell” while the one of the two true surprises of the fest was “The Package” a very short but extremely sweet short by longtime Lovecraft Film Fest contributor Eric Morgret in stitches.

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After dinner, Shorts Block II began with another familiar favorite, awe inspiring French feature “The Call” which is so graceful, poetic and harrowing while the creative Claymation of “Lure” enticed immensely (made in 72 hours no less!) Other notables included the classic “Pickman’s Model” the 80s throwback feel of “Elle” and the hilarious “The Trap.” The standout for me and favorite for the 2016 festival shorts was “Zerch” from Mexican director J. Xaiver Velasco about two lovers, one of whom has a very dark secret. The genuine love between the two men and the simple but satisfying set up and ending delivered like nothing else since past years classics like “The Mill at Calders’ End,” “Reset” and “Black Goat.” The night was capped a rousing performance of “The Dunwich Picture Show” presented by Club Pangea and its ringleader H.P. Loveshaft. Fine turns from Annie Septic and hilarious fill-ins from cast and crew brought a lot of laughs and fun and copious amounts of audience participation. While everyone contributed in a myriad of forms, the live music from Portland’s Cassadine did not take over Les Baxter’s distinctive score but instead updated and enlivened many of the unused cues/portions and made it their own with energetic flare and eldritch rhythms.

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As a Kickstarter backer, I was treated to a full tour of the marvelous Warner Grand Theater by an exhausted Aaron Vanek, long time festival director and man of many talents who still gave it his all as we traversed the cinema. We were able to go backstage, down to the dressing room and orchestra pit before finishing at the projection room with lots of tales about the history of the theater, San Pedro lore and a few tales about haunted happening around the theater. Thanks again Aaron, it was a lot of fun.

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Sunday was a day of rest for all exhausted Cultists, with High Priest Cody Goodfellow leading the congregation in a rousing unholy hymnal before launching into his annual performance of “Baby Got Bass” with live beatboxing. A full breakfast was provided courtesy of the Happy Diner before guests were treated to a live Q & A courtesy of Ask Lovecraft which was very funny and interesting; the man never misses a beat. A bit of shopping at Crafted Marketplace was in order where I was able to secure a few surprise sundries before heading back to watch some gaming before heading off for a day in San Pedro and Torrance with my generous host, Mr. B.

Overall, another weekend well spent with friends and Lovecraftian family and while I recently got to experience the 20th Anniversary of the Portland Fest which started it all, there is something missing that I only find in San Pedro, a unique and vibrant spirit that makes me truly happy to be part of this community and keeps me coming back for more every year. See you in 2017!

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http://www.hplfilmfestival.com

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