It is fascinating to watch “Creature from the Black Lagoon” with the knowledge I have now, so many years after falling in love with movies like “Godzilla” and “The Shape of Water.” Like many people, it is hard not to sympathize with the Gill Man as he defends his home from us, the invaders, and tries desperately to find love. He certainly is the most interesting character throughout the film, as every other character fills the generic monster movie tropes, including the macho hero (Richard Carlson), the greedy corporate leader (Richard Denning), and the helpless beautiful damesel in distress (Julie Adams), though it might help that the Gill Man has one of the best monster costumes ever made and is shown how dangerous he can be underwater with some rather beautiful underwater cinematography.
Though one thing I found distracting throughout the film was the music, since the same theme for the Gill Man would be used many times in “King Kong vs. Godzilla.” Every time I heard his theme, I expected King Kong to show up and destroy a building. Still, I can see why “Creature from the Black Lagoon” has attained cult classic status – it is the right amount of campy monster goodness with seriousness, mixed with some great cinematography and an icon monster that may not really be a monster.
Final Grade: B
Categories: Movie Reviews, Movies
I was 5 when my parents took me to a drive-in movie to see this film. Since ratings weren’t in place in 1954, they had no idea what this movie would be like. It scared the liver out of me, which resulted in nightmares and fear of water for years. I knew that that creature was in every creek, lake, pond, and even the Forest Park Public Swimming Pool. I’m better now, but I still think of that gill man when on a lake. Who could blame him for wanting that hot gal?