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Awix (3310 KP) rated Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966) in Movies

Feb 12, 2018

What you'd call the economy tour

Archetypal Hammer horror movie from the studio's imperial mid-60s period; unwise English tourists in Transylvania ignore warnings from bad-ass local abbot (Andrew Keir) and spend the night at Castle Dracula. They think they're there as guests; actually they're a kind of walk-in buffet organised by Dracula's butler to help get his boss back on his feet.

A bit of a slow start, but atmospheric and effective, with some good sequences in the second half. Keir stands in for Peter Cushing with his usual authority and charisma. Christopher Lee isn't in it that much, but is good when he appears - there are differing explanations of just why he doesn't have any dialogue. Everybody's idea of what a Hammer horror movie should be like.

Kudos

gayga (2128 KP) rated Swimming with Sharks (1995) in Movies

Nov 15, 2019 (Updated Nov 15, 2019)

Kevin Spacey as the mad boss (0 more)

A bit hammy (0 more)

How far would you go to get your into the movie business?

I first saw this on TV some years ago. It’s also known as The Buddy Factor in some countries. I just love it so much. I know Kevin Spacey is a dirty word these days, but his acting in this as Buddy Ackerman, head of Production is just so good! Psychotic sex maniac, obsessed with hair loss.

Add to this Frank Whaley as Guy, the newbie assistant to Buddy, is put through hell hoping to get a screenplay produced. Add to this Dawn, producer, Guys new girlfriend, producer and ex Buddy squeeze and you get a recipe of disaster.

It’s just funny but also appalling tale of Hollywood film production.