The Penny Dreadful Picture Show Review
RYAN: This is a new horror compilation movie I’ve been anticipating for a while since it’s from the same team who made Dorothy and the Witches of Oz, of which you know I’m a fan.
CAROLINE: Of course you are – it’s Oz. But this isn’t a fantasy film; it’s an altogether different genre. Tell me about it.
RYAN: It’s actually three short horror films tied together by a story featuring the titular character, Penny Dreadful, who’s this awesomely fun and terrible creature. She’s very much Princess Giselle from Enchanted meets Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas meets Scarlett O’Hara.
CAROLINE: [laughs’ Wow okay. I wasn’t expecting that last one.
RYAN: Really. She’s a monster desperately seeking true love’s kiss, portrayed by Eliza Swenson, who starred as the Wicked Witch of the West in Dorothy and the Witches of Oz. She’s also a co-writer and co-director and scored the film. And multi-talents aside, she’s one fantastically underrated actress. She’s such a chameleon. And she could easily take any role Angelina Jolie would be considered for.
CAROLINE: Except she’s not as famous.
RYAN: She should be.
CAROLINE: She’s the one in the poster?
RYAN: Yes. She’s magnetic in scenes, pulling your focus; and very natural, even in whimsical roles, which is not an easy thing to be.
CAROLINE: She looks creepy as that character but her body looks killer.
RYAN: Pun intended? She’s gorgeous.
CAROLINE: How are the short films? Do they relate to each other?
RYAN: They’re different but all gory horrors. And each has a very different narrative style that reminded me of scary classics – not directly, but in tone. For example, in the Penny scenes, it’s very Tim Burton-ish and even the score feels sort of Danny Elfman-inspired. There is a humorous nature to it, too, so it’s more Edward Scissorhands than Dark Shadows.
CAROLINE: That’s a relief.
RYAN: The last of the films started out like a Coen Brothers but went in a very early-Sam Raimi direction.
CAROLINE: You’re talking Evil Dead?
RYAN: Yeah, there’s hacking and a lot of blood. But no gratuitous nudity or swearing or anything which I have to credit the film for overall. I think even if you’re not a fan of gory movies, there isn’t anything that’s a turn off and the story is more interesting than the blood, which doesn’t look real enough to freak you out.
CAROLINE: I’m not generally a fan of gory movies.
RYAN: The film is beautifully shot. It’s looks impeccable. The set design, the costumes, the hair and makeup… some of it is period, set in the 50s, the 70s and every detail is managed. The second in the short film collection is a vampire tale.
CAROLINE: Oh brother. Tell me it’s not like Twilight.
RYAN: Please. These filmmakers are edgy and cool. It’s not an obvious or cliche vampire story. It’s an art piece; a unique take on the bloodsuckers, still with an erotic twist, but you have to figure out along with the lead character what’s going on, which was fun. And there’s a lot yellow happening.
CAROLINE: Is it a metaphor?
RYAN: I’m sure I don’t know. I’m curious about that, but every frame was peppered with the color yellow, like goldenrod yellow. Maybe it was just a nice contrast to blood red, I don’t know.
CAROLINE: Okay.
RYAN: And everyone in the first two is really beautiful. It’s a super sexy cast.
CAROLINE: Anyone you recognize in it?
RYAN: Some from director Leigh Scott’s last film, like Barry Ratcliffe, who was the Cowardly Lion and Al Snow, the Nome King, in Dorothy and the Witches of Oz. They, too, play completely different kinds of roles and their range is impressive. Leigh co-wrote and co-directed this with with Eliza and Nick Everhart.
CAROLINE: How about the story overall?
RYAN: It’s a showcase… not only of the talent behind the scenes and on camera, but of horror. There’s something for every horror appetite. It never panders. There’s even a clever twist in one of them. It’s available on DVD October 8th at Walmart and Family Video. Perfect for a movie night with friends. Turn off the lights, share some popcorn and enjoy.
