The October Project 2: Day 5

The Call of Cthulhu  (2005)
Directed by Andrew Leman

 

The Whisperer in Darkness  (2011)
Directed by Sean Branney

 

Whatever his faults as a writer Howard Philips Lovecraft is inarguably one of the most important and influential figures in the history of horror and fantasy. However, his unique combination of ornate verbiage and feverish "cosmic horror" has proven difficult to translate to film. Other than Stuart Gordon's wonderful, schlocky films from the 80's (more about those later) Lovecraft adaptations have mostly been a big snooze. So, for anybody with even a passing interest in his work, these films are cause for real excitement.
Both are low budget black and white films shot in a manner recalling early cinema. "Call" is a silent film recounting perhaps Lovecraft's most famous work. An investigation into strange occurrences worldwide uncovers a bizarre cult built around a horrifying squid-headed alien god.
"Whisperer" resembles an early sound production like a Universal Studios Gothic classic and portrays the correspondence between an academic and man convinced he's being stalked by otherworldly creatures.
The filmmakers are avowed Lovecraft fanatics and the movies have a handcrafted feel, charming enough to overcome their occasional amateurishness. I'm recommending them as a double feature as "Call" clocks in at a mere 47 minutes.
Not for everybody, but for fans of Lovecraft and lovers of early black and white cinema, these are a lot of fun.