Ken Russell was not a director associated with subtlety. No, Russell's films are well known for being over-the-top....and anything but subtle. This isn't exactly a criticism...just a comment about the style of the director. So, as I watched "Lair of the White Worm", I wasn't terribly surprised with all the silly phallic imagery--and there is probably more of this than in any other movie. In fact, it's a pity that Sigmund Freud didn't get to see this movie...he would have adored it. And, as far as the film goes, if you love Russell and his weird style, then there's plenty to enjoy here. 'Normals' on the other hand should probably avoid this one.
The film is very loosly based a Bram Stoker novel...very loosely. The story uses the existing myth of the Lambton Worm--changing it to the D'Ampton Worm. The Worm is a huge snakey-wormy thingie that is worshiped by weird Lady Marsh (Amando Donohoe) and it somehow has made her an immortal snakey-wormy-womany thing that seduces and murders people as a sacrifice to her god. So, it's up to a couple locals (Hugh Grant and Peter Capaldi) to fight these menaces and save their respective girlfriends.
Describing this film and all its excesses really won't properly explain what you should expect to see when you watch the film....you just have to see it to believe it. Silly wienery scenes and some of the most LSD-like dream sequences you just have to see for yourself. Now did I like it? Not a lot...but it is watchable. I do suppose it might be fun to see with friends...provided they aren't offended by all the nudity nor dopey scripts. I say make sure they are Russell lovers first....ask them what they thought of "Tommy" or "Listzomania" and then proceed accordingly.
The film is very loosly based a Bram Stoker novel...very loosely. The story uses the existing myth of the Lambton Worm--changing it to the D'Ampton Worm. The Worm is a huge snakey-wormy thingie that is worshiped by weird Lady Marsh (Amando Donohoe) and it somehow has made her an immortal snakey-wormy-womany thing that seduces and murders people as a sacrifice to her god. So, it's up to a couple locals (Hugh Grant and Peter Capaldi) to fight these menaces and save their respective girlfriends.
Describing this film and all its excesses really won't properly explain what you should expect to see when you watch the film....you just have to see it to believe it. Silly wienery scenes and some of the most LSD-like dream sequences you just have to see for yourself. Now did I like it? Not a lot...but it is watchable. I do suppose it might be fun to see with friends...provided they aren't offended by all the nudity nor dopey scripts. I say make sure they are Russell lovers first....ask them what they thought of "Tommy" or "Listzomania" and then proceed accordingly.